This season, South Carolina’s offense has centered around quarterback Spencer Rattler, who has been designed as a messiah for the program.

But there had to be a Plan 1A … or Plan B as initially thought.

Three games into this season, Plan B looked like a good option, especially with Rattler’s inconsistency and issues. Problem was, the Gamecocks couldn’t find a legitimate option.

Their running game had some moments, but it wasn’t a staple of the offense, just in case Rattler got rattled. USC needed some balance.

Redshirt sophomore MarShawn Lloyd was supposed to be the answer, fully recovering from his knee injury and appearing solid. Christian Beal-Smith and Juju McDowell were the perfect complements to Lloyd. Jaheim Bell surfaced as another weapon.

However, Lloyd and his backfield mates couldn’t generate steady enough numbers through the first 3 games. The Gamecocks’ offensive line had its issues, too, which further complicated the situation. There also were questions and doubts about offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield’s play-calling, which was probed by players and fans alike.

Then came the Gamecocks’ 56-20 thrashing of Charlotte on Saturday night in front of a feverish crowd of more than 75,000 at Williams-Brice Stadium, who saw their Gamecocks (2-2) erupt for 26 2nd-half points.

Lloyd had a career-high 169 yards with 3 touchdowns, and he looked every bit like the ground game changer the Gamecocks believed they had. Lloyd electrified the crowds with his jukes and cuts. This was a night when Rattler took a backseat and watched with a rather pedestrian 17-for-23, 187-yard, no-touchdown performance.

USC has a Plan 1A … or does it?

Remember, this was a 1-4 Charlotte team that entered Willy B allowing an average of 260 rushing yards per game. It was a 22-point underdog.

Lloyd had 75 yards on 23 carries combined against Georgia State, Arkansas and Georgia. The Gamecocks had a combined 211 yards rushing in their first 3 games.

The Gamecocks host South Carolina State on Saturday afternoon, facing a team that has a 1-2 record and has allowed 779 yards rushing for a 6.2-per-carry clip. There will be another 20-plus point line in favor of the Gamecocks.

Related: South Carolina is a 38-point favorite over SC State. Sports betting is live in SEC states such as Tennessee and Louisiana and may be coming soon to North Carolina.

Sure, USC will face its 2nd straight cupcake opponent and should be able to take care of business. Lloyd surely will find his niche on the ground again for another big game.

Lloyd said that “he ran with bad intentions” Saturday night. Those intentions will have to become meaner over the next few weeks.

But will this be enough to provide the offensive line with the chemistry and confidence it needs to handle the likes of Kentucky and Texas A&M and create the same holes and synergy?

It will be the same question Lloyd and his mates will need to answer as well if the Gamecocks are to find their identity and emerge as a contender and not a pretender.