South Carolina’s Upcoming Game Strategy: Key Starters and Significant Team Adjustments Explained

news">
News Staff">
September 7, 2025

Gamecocks Reveal Updated Starting Lineup for SC State Matchup

Columbia, SC – With just under 30 minutes until kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium, the South Carolina Gamecocks have announced their starting eleven for Saturday’s contest against SC state. the game, broadcast on ESPN+/SEC Network+, marks the team’s home opener and features several notable personnel changes from the previous week’s depth chart.

offensive Standings

LaNorris Sellers will lead the offense as Quarterback.The running game will be spearheaded by Oscar Adaway III and Rahsul Faison. Wide receiver positions are filled by Kys Harbor, Mazeo Bennett, and Donovan Murph.The offensive line boasts a reshuffled front including Left Tackle Josiah Thompson, Left Guard Shed Sarratt, Center Boaz Stanley, Right Guard Trovon Baugh, and Right Tackle Cason Henry. Brady Hunt is set to start at Tight End.

Defensive Formation

Defensively,Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr. will take the field as EDGE players. The defensive tackle line will feature Nick Barrett, Monkell Goodwine, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy.Linebackers Jayr Johnson and Shawn Murphy will anchor the midfield. The secondary will be patrolled by safeties DQ Smith and Peyton Williams,alongside cornerbacks Myles Norwood and Brandon Cisse,with Jalon kilgore as the Nickelback.

Special Teams Assignments

William Joyce is designated as the Placekicker, Mason Love as the punter, and Cole Rasmussen as the Longsnapper, completing the special teams unit.

A notable shift comes on the offensive line, with freshman Shed sarratt earning the start at Left guard. This change follows Rodney Newsom Jr.’s start in the season opener, where he was later relieved by Markee Anderson during the game.Head coach Shane Beamer had confirmed Sarratt’s availability after a previous health concern kept him sidelined last week, stating he anticipates a shining future for the young lineman.

Freshman Donovan Murph will also make his first start at Wide Receiver, having impressed coaches during fall camp and recorded one catch for 21 yards in Week 1.

Both Judge Collier and Jatius Geer are unavailable for this game due to injuries sustained last week against Virginia Tech, though their injuries are not expected to be long-term. Myles Norwood will start at Defensive Back in Collier’s absence. Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr. will continue to handle the EDGE duties without Geer.

Here’s a quick overview of the notable changes:

Position	Previous Starter	Current Starter
Left Guard	Rodney Newsom Jr.	Shed Sarratt
wide Receiver	N/A	Donovan Murph
Defensive Back	Judge Collier	Myles Norwood

Did You Know? Freshman starts are often a sign of future team leadership and growth, showcasing a coaching staff’s confidence in young talent.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Shed Sarratt’s performance at Left Guard – his contribution could be pivotal to the gamecocks’ offensive line success.

Understanding Football Depth Charts

Depth charts in college football are fluid documents, constantly evolving based on player performance in practice and during games.Coaches use them to outline the expected player rotation at each position. While a depth chart provides a snapshot of the team’s current hierarchy, it does not guarantee playing time, as game situations and opponent strategies can influence who sees the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a depth chart in football? A depth chart lists the players ranked in order of priority for each position on a football team.
• Why do starting lineups change? Starting lineups can change due to injuries, player performance, and strategic game planning.
• What impact do freshman starts have? Freshman starts indicate a coach’s trust in a young player’s ability and potential for future contribution.
• What role does the offensive line play? The offensive line is crucial for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running backs.
• How important is special teams? Special teams play a vital role in field position and scoring opportunities, often determining the outcome of close games.

What are your predictions for the Gamecocks’ performance against SC State? Do you think the changes to the starting lineup will make a significant difference?

What specific adjustments to the offensive line are expected to improve run blocking, and how might this impact the passing game?

Offensive line reshuffle & Run Game focus

A major talking point heading into this week’s game is the anticipated shift in the offensive line. Following last week’s performance, Coach Beamer has indicated changes are coming to bolster run blocking. Specifically, expect to see sophomore tackle, Tree Wilder, potentially earning his first start, replacing veteran Markeece Hayes. This move isn’t about Hayes’ performance, but rather Wilder’s demonstrated strength in pass protection and run-blocking drills during practice.

Key Adjustment: Increased emphasis on power running plays, utilizing the fullbacks more frequently to create running lanes for running back Mario Anderson.

Impact on Passing Game: While the line adjustments prioritize the run, the coaching staff assures fans that quarterback LaNorris Sellers will still have ample time to throw, with designed play-action passes to capitalize on the run-game threat.

Run Blocking Schemes: Expect to see more gap-scheme runs, aiming to exploit defensive weaknesses and create one-on-one matchups for Anderson.

Defensive Adjustments: Containing the Opponent’s Passing Attack

The opposing team boasts a potent passing attack, led by quarterback Jake Miller. South Carolina’s defensive coordinator, Clayton White, has outlined a strategy centered around disrupting Miller’s rhythm and forcing rapid throws. This involves a significant adjustment in the secondary.

Nickel Package Emphasis: Increased usage of the nickel package, featuring defensive back Jalon Kilgore, to provide additional coverage against the opponent’s speedy wide receivers.

Press Coverage Strategy: A more aggressive press coverage scheme, aiming to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and limit their ability to create separation. This is a calculated risk, as it leaves the defense vulnerable to deep passes if executed poorly.

Pass Rush Variety: Defensive ends Jordan Strachan and Edge rusher, Tank Hopkins, will be key to generating pressure. Expect to see a mix of blitzes and four-man rushes to keep the opposing quarterback guessing. The goal is to force hurried throws and potential turnovers.

Key Starters to Watch

Beyond the offensive line changes,several key starters will be pivotal to South Carolina’s success.

LaNorris Sellers (Quarterback): Sellers’ ability to manage the game, make accurate throws under pressure, and utilize his mobility will be crucial. His decision-making in the red zone will be especially crucial.

Mario Anderson (Running Back): Anderson is the engine of the offense. His ability to gain yards after contact and break tackles will be vital, especially with the increased focus on the running game.

Jordan Strachan (Defensive end): Strachan’s pass-rushing prowess will be essential in disrupting the opponent’s passing attack.He’ll need to consistently win one-on-one matchups against the opposing offensive tackles.

Jalon Kilgore (Defensive Back): Kilgore’s coverage skills and ability to make plays on the ball will be critical in containing the opponent’s wide receivers.

Special Teams Focus: Field Position & Scoring Opportunities

South Carolina’s special teams unit has been a consistent strength this season. Coach Beamer emphasizes the importance of winning the field position battle and maximizing scoring opportunities.

Punting Strategy: Punter Kai Kroeger will focus on pinning the opponent deep in their own territory, forcing them to drive the length of the field.

Kickoff Coverage: Improved kickoff coverage to prevent the opponent from gaining significant yardage on returns.

Return game: Wide receiver Xavier Legette will continue to be a threat in the return game, looking for opportunities to break a big play.

Recent Game Trends & Opponent Analysis

Analyzing the opponent’s recent games reveals a tendency to start slowly, relying heavily on their passing game in the second half. South Carolina’s strategy aims to exploit this weakness by establishing a strong running game early and building a lead.

opponent’s Weakness: Susceptibility to pressure up the middle. South Carolina’s defensive tackles will focus on collapsing the pocket