South Carolina expected to compete in a winnable SEC East in 2015, but after early-season struggles, coach Steve Spurrier called it quits.

The losses seemed to snowball from there with a 3-9 overall finish and 1-7 record in the SEC, tying Mizzou for last.

Things can only get better in 2016. Here are five reasons why.

Coaching stability: Will Muschamp comes to Columbia after four seasons at Florida in which his teams went 28-21 and a one-year stint coaching Auburn’s defense in 2015.

And to coach the offense he brought in Kurt Roper, whose Duke passing attack ranked near the top 30 nationally during most of his stint there from 2008-13. The Roper and Muschamp combo didn’t succeed at Florida in 2014, but the coordinator seemed somewhat handcuffed by the Gators’ offensive philosophy. Muschamp has promised, again and again, that won’t be the case in Columbia.

A skilled coaching hand in the passing game is integral for the Gamecocks (see below.)

The one-two punch of Roper’s offense and what will largely be Muschamp’s defense – his Gators ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense during each of his years there – could be the medicine for USC’s ills.

Muschamp has proven his worth on the recruiting trail and that element of this coaching staff should continue to be an asset for South Carolina.

More consistent quarterback play: Senior Perry Orth led the team for a chunk of 2015, throwing for 1,929 yards with a 54.8 completion percentage, with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. But he could be challenged by freshman Brandon McIlwain, rated as the second-best dual-threat quarterback in the nation according to the 247Sports composite.

Muschamp recently said he was “very pleased” with the progress made by McIlwain. He added that Orth and McIlwain had separated themselves from the other QBs for the starting nod, though the team has faced injuries at the position. A boost of energy from McIlwain, or improved play by Orth fueled by that battle for the starting spot, can only help the Gamecocks in 2016.

Receivers stepping up: Somebody has to catch the ball from the starting quarterback, and the receiving corps faces plenty of questions.

The team must replace top receiver Pharoh Cooper, a coveted NFL tight end prospect in Jerrell Adams and four-star recruit Jalen Christian, who redshirted in 2015 and announced last month he is transferring from the team.

The Gamecocks now have five scholarship receivers this spring: Bryan Edwards, Terry Googer, Christian Owens, Deebo Samuel and Jerad Washington.

Edwards, an early freshman enrollee, looks to be a potential starter, and former defensive back/running back Jamari Smith was moved to WR a week ago after coaches decided his playmaking ability was best used there.

Players adjusting to new positions: In addition to Smith, several Gamecocks hope to make a mark in different areas of the field this year, and their ability to adjust is integral to the team’s success. At 240 pounds, senior Darius English was a borderline-undersized defensive end, but under Muschamp’s 3-4 defensive system he is moving to outside linebacker. Coaches hope he’ll improve the pass rush.

The story is much the same for 238-pound sophomore Boosie Whitlow, also moving from defensive end to outside linebacker.

Junior college transfer Ulric Jones served on the offensive line last year after starting the season a reserve defensive linemen. Jones is back at defensive tackle in 2016.

Senior Skai Moore originally planned to leave a year early for the NFL, but Gamecocks coaches convinced him to stay by giving him the opportunity to play more of a hybrid linebacker/safety role with plenty of coverage opportunities.

An advantageous schedule: The Gamecocks open on the road at cellar-dweller Vanderbilt and get five straight home games in the middle of its schedule from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, with a bye week also during that stretch. Its annual West game against Texas A&M continues to look winnable, even if it’s not easy. And South Carolina avoids Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss, possibly the three toughest teams in the league.