South Carolina football: 5 players who will make or break the 2023 season for the Gamecocks
South Carolina will end months of speculation about its upcoming season when the Gamecocks meet North Carolina in a likely intense, cross-state rivalry game at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET) before a national television audience.
The Gamecocks are still viewed as a slight underdog, and it could be a high-scoring battle with the over-under total at 63.5.
These are 2 teams that should follow similar paths during the season, and they both should be in the 8- or 9-win range come November.
There will be plenty of hype behind the much-anticipated quarterback matchup between South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. There are plenty of other subplots, notably the chess match involving new offensive coordinators Dowell Loggains at South Carolina and Chip Lindsey at UNC.
However, Rattler can be the key to the Gamecocks making a deep run this season.
He is 1 of 5 Gamecocks who can make or break South Carolina’s season.
Here is Rattler’s outlook, as well as his 4 other vital teammates:
1. Spencer Rattler, quarterback
He truly is the centerpiece to an offense that lost key weapons. With a developing running game and readjusted passing attack, Rattler will have to create most of the team’s opportunities and also improve upon his own running skills.
He opted against going into the NFL Draft and returned to Columbia to take his team to the next level. The senior showed that he is capable of playing at a Heisman Trophy level with his performances that gained his team a Top 25 standing and a bowl bid.
For him, it will be a matter of having a strong start, notably against North Carolina on a big stage. Rattler will need to be on his “A” game every week and needs to avoid the careless mistakes of his past.
Potential, poise and character are the buzz words here, but a sluggish start or a down season would quickly dash the aspirations of the rabid Gamecock faithful.
2. Xavier Legette, wide receiver
Over the past few seasons, Legette has primarily been a return specialist and has been a steady, productive contributor. Now, he has to widen his scope and become a prime target.
Antwane “Juice” Wells will get plenty of attention after his breakout season a year ago. Transfer tight end Trey Knox looms as a regular target, but Knox will need some time to develop his rhythm with Rattler. Fellow receiver Dakereon Joyner has moved to the backfield for depth.
So, this falls on Legette, who caught 18 balls for 167 yards with 3 touchdowns last season. He also saw some time in the backfield last year. If Legette can attract plenty of attention and elevate his game, the passing game will have a much-needed option. If not, there could be a major void there.
3. Juju McDowell, running back
He was the change-of-pace back last season with workhorse Marshawn Lloyd and fullback Christian Beal-Smith. But Lloyd went west to USC and Beal-Smith graduated.
With those moves, McDowell is the feature back to begin the season with a cast of mainly budding backs and a few transfers. McDowell has proven that he can be a viable passing option out of the backfield.
The Gamecocks need McDowell to take some pressure off Rattler and provide the offense with an efficient running attack. If he can’t get on track early, it could definitely drop the offense into a lower gear.
4. Marcellas Dial, cornerback
He did make his share of NFL Draft boards this past spring, and there was plenty of speculation that the senior would make the big leap.
But Dial is back in the secondary and brings back needed experience at the corner position. Dial was nicked up a little last year, but he began to find his niche late in the season. Dial ended his year with 45 tackles and 3 interceptions.
The Gamecocks secondary has been a stronghold the past few seasons, and it will need to remain that with some inexperience on the line. Dial will need to turn his play up a notch, be consistent and lead a defensive backfield that can be an anchor for the defensive unit.
5. Mitch Jeter, kicker
He stepped into the role last year and made all 11 of his field-goal attempts as well as 42 of 44 on extra-point attempts.
With Lloyd (before he was injured) as well as Rattler’s growing consistency, Jeter’s options were rather limited, but he made the best of them. With pieces working into place on the offense this season, Jeter likely will be utilized more, and he can’t afford a slump.
He can be a huge difference-maker for the Gamecocks.