South Carolina’s 50-10 blowout victory over South Carolina State was expected on Thursday night.

The Gamecocks (3-2) had a fairly solid showing in all 3 phases of the game but still have some loose ends to tighten.

And so there’s a question that lingers.

Can a pair of anticipated blowout victories serve as enough of a jumpstart and catalyst for the likes of playing Kentucky this weekend, and Tennessee, Texas A&M and others down the road?

Here are some thoughts about some areas that will be pivotal to South Carolina’s success:

An early touchdown and momentum

For the 1st time all season, South Carolina scored a 1st-quarter touchdown when Spencer Rattler hit MarShawn Lloyd on a screen pass. The Gamecocks could have taken control of the game early, but Xaiver Legette’s juggle of a Rattler pass resulted in an interception.

If the Gamecocks are to be competitive going forward, they will need to put more points on the scoreboard in the opening half.

Against Georgia State in the opener, South Carolina didn’t score in the 1st quarter and had a slim 12-7 advantage at the half. Granted, it was the opener, but the offense still was in first gear.

The following week against Arkansas, the Gamecocks had a field goal in the opening quarter and 9 at the half, as the offense started to gain some momentum.

Rattler’s costly interception in the early going against Georgia began the descent into a long afternoon, and the Gamecocks never found their stride.

Even against Charlotte in Week 4, South Carolina trailed 7-3 in the 1st quarter before the offense rallied for 17 points before halftime.

Based on their performances in the past 2 games, the Gamecocks have dropped it into 2nd gear and can establish their presence. There has been a better balance in the game plan with the run and pass game with Rattler and Lloyd, and the defense has been establishing its identity.

Stirred, not shaken

Regardless of the outcome, Rattler will continue to be the focal point of the offense.

He arguably had his most consistent effort of the season, completing 21 of 27 passes for 212 yards with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions. His 2 interceptions weren’t his fault, as Legette failed to grab both of the attempts.

Rattler threw a highlight-reel, 54-yard missile downfield to Jalen Brooks that set up a score, and also drilled a 15-yarder to tight end Austin Stogner for another score.

Rattler has shown a better pocket presence in the past few weeks and hasn’t forced passes like he did at the start of the season. There is more of a sense of confidence and stability around him, as he doesn’t always have to make the big play.

With Lloyd and the running game finding its stride, Rattler can play his role as a field general, not a constant playmaker. A key in the upcoming weeks will be if Rattler can blend into the background with his play as the offense becomes more well-rounded.

Run, run, run

Lloyd’s recent emergence as well as the steadiness and cohesiveness of the line in front of him has made a major difference.

Lloyd had a breakout game against Charlotte, and South Carolina State keyed on him throughout.

He made enough big plays Thursday night with his 80 yards on the ground to solidify the running game, but Lloyd also showed how he can be invaluable as a receiver with his 3 catches out of the backfield.

Christian Beal-Smith (15 yards) and Juju McDowell (13 yards) didn’t have any glowing numbers, but their presence will help Lloyd and provide overall balance to the running game.

Beal-Smith’s bulldozing style along with McDowell’s ability to hit the hole quickly and pop outside is the overall mixture the Gamecocks need to complement Lloyd.

Quietly, the Gamecocks produced 185 yards rushing on Thursday night, a number that will need to remain in that vicinity to produce a productive season.

The offensive line had another steady night. The unit appears to be more in unison and has avoided the untimely penalties and mistakes. S.C. State had 4 quarterback hits but couldn’t register any sacks.

Lock them down

Though injuries have rattled the unit, South Carolina’s secondary will need to batten down the hatches.

The secondary was flagged for 3 pass-interference calls on Thursday night, 1 that negated an interception. In the past 2 weeks, the Gamecocks have been called for 7 pass-interference penalties.

On a positive note, the unit has registered 6 interceptions in the past 2 games after getting just 1 in its first 3 games. Marcellas Dial, RJ Roderick and Devonni Reed all had nice games on Thursday, and the unit appears to be on its way to being back in sync.

The secondary should be lauded for its aggressive play, but it will have to be careful in the next few weeks. Regarded as one of the SEC’s elite, the secondary will need to tighten its play. The Gamecocks will face Kentucky’s passing attack this Saturday night, featuring Tayvion Robinson, who is among the league leaders in receiving yards.