Could The Citadel beat South Carolina again?

It’s happened before. Twenty-five years ago, the FCS (then Division I-AA) Bulldogs shocked the Gamecocks 38-35 at Williams-Brice Stadium.

And Citadel’s 2015 team has fared about the same as its 1990 team. The Bulldogs (7-3) could wrap up and FCS playoff spot with a victory. The 1990 victory helped a 7-4 Citadel team get a berth in the Division I-AA playoffs.

South Carolina is not as good as its 1990 team. The Gamecocks (3-7) have lost three games in a row under interim coach Shawn Elliott and have a former walk-on playing quarterback.

The Gamecocks may be in danger. Citadel’s triple-option offense averages 344 rushing yards per game. Though they average only eight passes per game, the Bulldogs gain more than nine yards per attempt and 17 yards per completion.

The Gamecocks have struggled before against another in-state FCS option team, Wofford. In 2012, a South Carolina team that finished No. 7 in the nation with an 11-2 record was tied with Wofford entering the fourth quarter before pulling away.

Citadel couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. The Gamecocks defense hasn’t faced a triple-option team this season. And the Gamecocks rushing defense has struggled, allowing 202 yards per game to rank 105th among 128 BCS teams. The Gamecocks have given up 5 yards per carry.

On the other side of the ball, the Gamecocks have struggled at quarterback. Perry Orth, the former walk-on, must find a way to get the ball to playmaker Pharoh Cooper.

Though South Carolina will be at home, pressure will mount on the Gamecocks if Citadel stays close.

The Gamecocks wouldn’t be the first SEC team to lose a recent game to an FCS team.

Florida lost to Georgia Southern, then a member of The Citadel’s Southern Conference, in 2013. Auburn had a close escape this year, rallying late to beat Jacksonville State in overtime.

South Carolina will have a significant edge in talent. The Gamecocks should be able to move the ball on the smaller Bulldogs. If the Gamecocks defense stays disciplined and defenders stick with their assignments, Citadel shouldn’t be a problem.

But the potential for an upset is there. Citadel has done it before. And South Carolina knows it can happen.