The Gamecocks are in a much better position with their roster this spring compared to last year in Will Muschamp’s eyes, most notably with depth along the offensive and defensive lines.

How that culminates at noon on Saturday with the spring game will offer a glimpse into the kind of 2017 season that Muschamp, fans and media can expect. The format is expected to be the offensive starters against the defensive starters, and backups against backups.

Here are five things to look for at Williams-Brice Stadium:

Will a pass rush show any potential?

The Gamecocks’ defensive strength should be at linebacker this season, especially with the return from a neck injury of perennial leading tackler Skai Moore. But there is concern about the youth and inexperience along the defensive line. The candidates to assert themselves to pressure the quarterback are Dennis Wonnum, Dante Sawyer, Daniel Fennell and Taylor Stallworth. There’s also Keir Thomas returning to his natural position, defensive end, after he was forced to play at tackle last season. It could help Thomas to shed some pounds after he added 30 pounds to his 230-pound frame to better suit the tackle position.

Will Jake Bentley further settle into long-term role?

The young quarterback has, by all indications, had a banner spring, and he has a talented group of receivers led by Deebo Samuel, who has also reportedly had a strong spring. Bentley’s next step will be consistent play on third down and near the goal line. The Gamecocks also are adding a small batch of up-tempo plays that could help the offensive line, which allowed 41 sacks a year ago, and Bentley combat defensive wrinkles.

Skai Moore’s return from a neck injury

The former all-SEC linebacker returns from a herniated disc in his neck that sidelined him for all of 2016. He should anchor the front seven after leading the team in tackles for three straight seasons. He needs 47 tackles to move into the school’s all-time top-10. Moore could be the first USC player to lead the Gamecocks in tackles for four seasons, and he has 11 career interceptions. Bo Davies holds the school’s career record at 14.

Newest assistant coach’s impact

Eric Wolford returned to Columbia to coach the offensive line, a position he also coached in 2009, and one that loses only starter Mason Zandi at left tackle. Wolford previously was a head coach at Youngstown State and, for the last two seasons, an offensive assistant for the San Francisco 49ers. The Gamecocks players in the mix appear to be Alan Knott at center, Zack Bailey at right tackle, Malik Young or Sadarius Hutcherson at left tackle, and D.J. Park and Cory Helms at guard.

Will any newcomers shine?

UNC transfer Ty’son Williams, a running back, and mid-year enrollee OrTre Smith, a wide receiver, are among the newcomers to add depth or challenge the likes of Rico Dowdle, A.J. Turner and Deebo Samuel. Smith has been limited so far with a lingering ankle injury he suffered in high school. With expected tweaks to the offense for things like more three-receiver alignments and better pass blocking from the running backs, Williams has a chance to contribute with three seasons of eligibility remaining. Williams is 6-foot, 209 pounds.

“Watching Ty’Son right now in the morning workouts, he’s extremely talented, man,” running backs coach Bobby Bentley told the Post and Courier. “He’s very explosive. He’s extremely gifted in regards to balance and agility. He runs angry. He runs with a chip on his shoulder. And honestly, he ran through the defense as a scout-teamer. So we’ve seen what he can do live. He just hasn’t done it (in games) yet.”