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It was a shocking and unexpected year for the Gamecocks. Steve Spurrier, only one season removed from guiding the program to three consecutive 11-win seasons, resigned abruptly at midseason.
South Carolina’s performance on the field was far from impressive. At 3-9, the Gamecocks are home for the holidays.
Let’s take a look at five defining moments for South Carolina in 2015.
1. Steve Spurrier resigning: The Ol’ Ball Coach was the face of the program for more than a decade. But then in October, it all suddenly changed when Spurrier resigned midseason. While it was clear that his squad wasn’t playing well after starting the year, 2-4, this wasn’t a move that anyone in the college football world saw coming. There is still speculation that he will come back in a front office position, but hanging it up when and how he did was the biggest defining moment of 2015.
2. The hiring of Will Muschamp: Muschamp’s hiring was almost as big as Spurrier’s departure. For now, it seems much of the Gamecocks fanbase has accepted Muschamp and staff that he has assembled so far. The former Auburn defensive coordinator started to get his unit to click for the Tigers toward the end of the season. He is known as a players’ coach, and maybe that’s what it will take in Columbia. His last head coaching gig at Florida will be remembered by a 28-21 overall weekend.
3. A memorable season for Pharoh Cooper: Amidst all of the turmoil, Pharoh Cooper remained a consistent bright spot for USC in 2015. He finished the year with 973 yards and eight touchdowns, second in the SEC behind only Laquon Treadwell. Cooper is entering the NFL Draft and won’t be returning to Columbia for is senior season. But he certainly left a mark.
4. Jon Hoke didn’t work: Jon Hoke was supposed to come in and revitalize the USC defense. It’s safe to say Hoke didn’t work out and if he did, we may still be talking about Spurrier as coach. After finshing 92nd in total defense in 2014, the Gamecocks fell to 95th in 2015 under Hoke.
5. Shawn Elliott taking over: Shawn Elliott got thrown into the fire and did a decent job with all things considered. He led USC to a win over Vanderbilt and kept his team competitive in the final five losses of the year. He didn’t have much talent to work with and it was obvious he wouldn’t keep head coaching gig. But he deserves some credit.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
