What’s the temperature like for South Carolina after four games this season? We analyze several areas where the Gamecocks are hot or cold.

CAROLINA REAPER

For those who aren’t familiar with the Carolina Reaper, it’s one of the world’s hottest ‘hybrid’ chili peppers bred in Fort Mill, S.C. Without exceptionally hot Dylan Thompson, the Gamecocks wouldn’t be 3-1 right now and ranked in the top 15. With the defense playing so bad, much of the pressure of offense has been put on Thompson who has attempted the most passes in the SEC and is on pace to shatter Todd Ellis’ single-season record for passing yards. His 11 touchdown passes and 1,140 yards through four games are the most ever for a South Carolina quarterback during the Spurrier era. If the Gamecocks were unbeaten with a more impressive defense, Thompson could be in Heisman talks at the moment based on numbers.

SIZZLING

A quarterback’s not much without quality receivers and South Carolina’s quartet of pass-catchers have done an excellent job in the early going, separating in coverage and getting behind the defense for big plays. Veteran Nick Jones has raised his level of play while sophomore Pharoh Cooper’s developing into a Bruce Ellington-like No. 1, a reliable option on screens, tosses over the middle and in the red zone. His progress in the Wildcat is well-documented. One could make a valid argument that Shaq Roland, perhaps the Gamecocks’ most athletic player, has become Thompson’s third threat, which speaks volumes on the depth and overall talent of this year’s group. And we haven’t even mentioned Damiere Byrd who, like usual, is averaging more than 30 yards per catch with two scores.

STARTING TO COOL OFF

The Gamecocks as an Eastern Division frontrunner. Despite three wins in four games including two over teams currently ranked, South Carolina just doesn’t have the look of a division favorite right now, or at least what we expected coming into the season. A once dominant run game has been largely ignored sans Georgia and Heisman candidate Mike Davis is clearly hampered by nagging injuries. Lorenzo Ward’s defense was supposed to be at least serviceable without Jadeveon Clowney and four other starters, but it’s been abysmal. The Gamecocks are last in the SEC in nearly every statistical category, an ugly truth that could reveal itself again in looming matchups with Mizzou, Auburn and possibly, Florida.

FROZEN

South Carolina’s defense, particularly the defensive line and secondary units. The Gamecocks’ only sack against one of the league’s worst offensive lines at Vanderbilt was a coverage stop by Kaiwan Lewis. South Carolina’s front four has looked lethargic for the most part and its average of 1.0 sacks per game is a conference-worst, on pace for the lowest season total in more than a decade. It doesn’t seem to be a schematic issue either, considering the last two opponents boast pro-style offenses and the Gamecocks have still struggled. The production’s improved over the last two outings at the back end, but inexperienced defensive backs are still struggling on third down. Brison Williams made a nice play on the pick-six in Nashville, perhaps a season-saver just before halftime.