With only six games remaining in the season, the Gamecocks look to end a three-game skid as they host the Massachusetts Minutemen on Saturday. Even at 1-6, the Minutemen are not to be taken lightly after giving Florida and Mississippi State fits earlier in the season.
The Minutemen enter the contest off of a 56-28 loss to Louisiana Tech. Earlier in the season, they traveled to Gainesville Week 1 and gave the Gators all they wanted. UMass trailed by only a field goal at the beginning of fourth quarter before the Gators pulled away for a 24-7 win.
In Week 4, the Minutemen hosted another SEC opponent in Mississippi State. After leading 14-13 against the Bulldogs at the half, the Minutemen were able to keep pace with Mississippi State in a second half shootout. The Bulldogs put the game away with a late touchdown in a 47-35 win.
UMass head coach Mark Whipple made a move at the quarterback position after the second game of the year. Redshirt sophomore Andrew Ford took over for the Minutemen in Week 3, leading them to their only win of the season against Florida International. The Virginia Tech transfer has put up numbers since getting the job, throwing 13 touchdown passes.
The Gamecocks' secondary, which currently has more interceptions than touchdowns given up, will like their chances of adding to its interception total this week. Ford has thrown at least one pick each game he's played, throwing eight in five contests.
Ford’s favorite target has become sophomore wide receiver Andy Isabella. After losing 2015's leading receiver Tajae Sharpe to the Tennessee Titans, Isabella has stepped up with 33 catches for 427 yards and five touchdowns. Isabella has found the end zone the last three weeks. Ford also heavily leans on redshirt junior tight end Adam Breneman, who has 35 catches for 390 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Minutemen’s leading rusher is sophomore Marquis Young, who's averaging just over 4.5 yards per carry. He has 544 yards to go with three touchdowns on the season. He had a big day against Mississippi State, running for 125 yards and a score.
On the other side of the ball, the Minutemen have struggled. The UMass defense currently ranks 111th in the country in total defense, giving up 468.6 yards per game. The Minutemen are also allowing 33.3 points per game, which ranks at 103rd in the country.
South Carolina’s offensive struggles have been well-documented over the season. With a poor UMass defense coming into Williams-Brice Stadium, the Gamecocks could be able to surpass 20 points for the first time this season. The Minutemen have struggled in all phases on the defensive side of the ball. During their four-game losing streak, they have given up 31 points or more in every game. The Gamecock offense has an opportunity to get back on track before returning to SEC play.
Over the bye week, there has been plenty of discussion about the Gamecocks starting freshman Jake Bentley at quarterback. With Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain struggling to move the ball consistently, Bentley’s name has come up for the starting job. Head coach Will Muschamp has yet to name a starting quarterback, but did not rule out Bentley for the job.
“We are going to make a change if we feel like it’s going to help benefit our football team. Those are the decisions we have to make as a staff,” Muschamp said.
Whether there is a change at quarterback or not, there is no doubt the Gamecock offense needs a spark. The run game should be able to help out the offense this week. Running back Rico Dowdle has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in two games against Texas A&M and Georgia, he, along with A.J. Turner, should be able to move the ball against the Minutemen.
For South Carolina, sitting at 2-4 leaves little room for error to make a bowl game at the end of the season. Already in the need of an upset or two later on to reach the six-win mark, the Gamecocks simply cannot afford to lose this one.