What Shane Beamer said after South Carolina lost to Notre Dame in Gator Bowl
South Carolina’s second season under Shane Beamer ended in disappointing fashion Friday, but the head coach sees progress heading into Year 3.
The Gamecocks end 2022 with an 8-5 record after falling 45-38 to Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. Beamer’s squad had an early double-digit lead on Notre Dame, but the Irish came on strong in the second half as the Gamecocks started to fade.
After the game, an emotional Beamer said he was proud of his team after the heartbreaking loss. Beamer noted that his team expects to win when it comes up with 2 defensive scores. The Gamecocks had a pair of pick-6s in the game.
Like many teams, South Carolina did not have a full roster for the bowl game. Beamer noted the Gamecocks were down 12 players from the regular-season finale against Clemson to Friday’s bowl game.
The Gamecocks were also without their usual offensive play-caller. Beamer said it was a team effort Friday, with Freddie Kitchens and Nick Coleman leading the way.
Those items and more were shared by reporters in Jacksonville:
Shane Beamer: When you score twice on defense, you ought to win the football game.
Had some sloppiness out there.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) December 31, 2022
“Heck of a game. We had our opportunities” — a dejected Shane Beamer says. He’s holding back emotions as he talks. pic.twitter.com/l0pkTVADs1
— Michael Lananna ? (@mlananna) December 31, 2022
Beamer: When you score twice on defense, you ought to win. Our guys left everything out there. We were down 12 guys that had played against Clemson that didn't play tonight. I want to thank the #Gamecocks fans that came down here. What an environment. Best fanbase in the country
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) December 31, 2022
Beamer: Pauses to compose himself about the kids who left it all out there. "I'm really, really, really proud to be their football coach."
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) December 31, 2022
"I didn't see the replay, but I thought it was a tough call. If DK wanted to blow the guy up, he would've blown the guy up.:"
– Beamer on the blindside block penalty
— Alan Cole (@Alan__Cole) December 31, 2022
Shane Beamer says ND "didn't do anything different" in the second half defensively. Gamecocks just didn't execute offensively as well as they needed to.
— Michael Lananna ? (@mlananna) December 31, 2022
Beamer again says #Gamecocks offensive play-calling was a "group effort." Won't confirm it was Freddie Kitchens calling the plays (but gives specific credit to Kitchens and Nick Coleman).
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) December 31, 2022
"I would hope the progress that we've made was extremely evident." — Shane Beamer on this season.
— Michael Lananna ? (@mlananna) December 31, 2022
Beamer said they've been repping the Kai Kroeger fake field goal TD play since last year.
Finally had a chance to run it today.
— Ben Portnoy (@bportnoy15) December 31, 2022
#Gamecocks Beamer: We had guys at halftime, the things they had to do in the locker room just to get back out there and play, I hope it's evident how much these guys are giving out there
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) December 31, 2022
Shane Beamer: very not happy with the officiating, especially in the first half.
Said he has to be better and not cost his team 15 yards on that unsportsmanlike but didn't believe he should have been flagged. Said there were times he felt the officials made it about them.
— Collyn Taylor (@collyntaylor) December 31, 2022
