South Carolina fans overcome with emotion on Twitter following reported Jake Bentley injury news
The rumors began to swirl Monday afternoon, but by the evening, it was full on overreaction. South Carolina fans are still processing the reported news of an injury to Jake Bentley, which would cause freshman backup Ryan Hilinski to start this week.
While the immediate reaction following the disappointing loss to North Carolina was wholesale personnel changes, if not coaching moves, the Bentley injury news has taken on another element. Some have moved to thank the veteran QB for a solid career, while others have lectured other fans about how Bentley felt about the loss and how he’s carried himself as a student-athlete.
Some fans called for a change in starting quarterback long before the injury news was even rumored.
Bentley, while a veteran presence and leader on the team, has come under criticism for his turnovers, including leading the SEC in interceptions last season. He’s received boos at Williams-Brice Stadium and struggled in the red zone. He acknowledged the shortcomings in regards to turnovers in the offseason and made it a point to improve.
It will be interesting to see how Hilinski performs and is received by fans this week against Charleston Southern, and next week against Alabama, and beyond.
Here’s a sampling of some fan and media reaction:
If these rumors about Jake Bentley being injured are true, let me be the first to say this.
I appreciate everything Jake has given to this program. He’s handled everything the right way and has been a great representative of SC.
PLEASE don’t be rude about this situation.
— James (@GamecockSplash) September 2, 2019
Gamecocks fans trying to show a classy front about Bentley’s injury, but really inside like… pic.twitter.com/i1j9qznKeB
With Bentley out with a foot injury, wonder if he takes a redshirt and decides to stay an extra year. Obviously depends on how well Ryan plays and how soon Jake returns. But he has that option. @abc_columbia
— Mike Gillespie (@MikeABCColumbia) September 2, 2019
In an effort to save face, they said Jake Bentley has an injury 🤯😂. Man stop playing, he had a poor performance and now it’s next man up…that simple.
— Coach Chestnut (@The_Real_Trez) September 2, 2019
If Jake Bentley is injured then it’s a real injury. Say what you want about his play but his toughness should be not be questioned.
— Franklin Buchanan (@franklinnb) September 2, 2019
— Marc Ryan (@MarcRyanOnAir) September 2, 2019
However mad, upset, pissed off you were about the game, I guarantee it wasn’t close to how badly Jake Bentley felt. This is still a game and these are still human beings who are simply doing their best with intense pressure and scrutiny. (1/4)
— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchellGC) September 2, 2019
Very few people can actually step into that arena and compete at that level and put their bodies on the line with all eyes on them. I, for one, know I wouldn’t be able to handle that level of pressure. Bentley himself would tell you he hasn’t played well enough. Games are.. (2/4)
— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchellGC) September 2, 2019
.. about winning and losing and w/ that comes criticism and 2nd guessing and the great thing about sports is that it creates competition & debate. Nothing wrong with wanting change at QB. But the PERSONAL attacks are complete BS. Criticize the performance, not the person. (3/4)
— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchellGC) September 2, 2019
Like his game or not, Jake Bentley has competed his ass off for the University of South Carolina, has been a model student-athlete and let me remind you chose the program when he could have easily gone to a more established one. If this is it, then wish him well and move on (4/4)
— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchellGC) September 2, 2019
If Jake Bentley is injured then it's a real injury. Say what you want about his play but his toughness should be not be questioned.
— Franklin Buchanan (@franklinnb) September 2, 2019
Gamecocks fans trying to show a classy front about Bentley’s injury, but really inside like… pic.twitter.com/i1j9qznKeB
— Marc Ryan (@MarcRyanOnAir) September 2, 2019
I do feel bad for Bentley, I know I was frustrated with him Saturday but the loss wasn’t all on him. However, I hate that as a senior this injury could be season ending for him.
— Pearls and Prep (@pearlsandprep) September 2, 2019
In an effort to save face, they said Jake Bentley has an injury 🤯😂. Man stop playing, he had a poor performance and now it's next man up…that simple.
— Coach Chestnut (@The_Real_Trez) September 2, 2019