Gamecock fans can be cautiously optimistic about this season after South Carolina’s steady defense against Coastal Carolina.
With the pace of the game, the defense looked to close the gaps offensively and create more point of attack.
“I thought we played pretty fast today,” said defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. “I was looking at guys, guys were flying around today ... I liked the speed we were playing with.”
Kinlaw had a total of five tackles and played with the intention of helping the young defensive players perform against the Chanticleers, especially on the secondary.
Freshman Jaycee Horn made his first-career start for the Gamecocks and contributed right away. Despite his age, Horn has the composure that South Carolina needs to go against top-competitors.
For head coach Will Muschamp, Horn’s performance in the secondary was very focused and controlled on the field.
“He was calm,” Muschamp said. “He’s a very mature young man ... He’s a guy that understands when to focus. When we’re in the meeting rooms, he’s dialed in. When we’re in the walk throughs, he’s dialed in. When we’re at practice, he understands those things ... he’s a very mature player from that standpoint.”
South Carolina stood its ground on defense, from starters to newcomers. According to Kinlaw, the team was “rolling today" and allowed him to lead on defense.
“For some of the young D-lineman, it was really exciting for me," Kinlaw said. "I mean you could tell they was a little nervous going out there, but I was just trying to talk to them and make sure they knew what to do.”
The work these players put in during the offseason was evident Saturday as they defeated Coastal 49-15.
“I mean that's what we see in practice," Kinlaw said. "A lot of the times when the offense on the field, we up looking at them. We just see some of the stuff that translate from practice to the game ... those outside zones plays, it’s hard to stop ... that’s why we talk about just doing on job on defense, helping Jake get the ball back, forcing turnovers, forcing three and outs so we can just watch the offense work.”
This momentum will help the defense going forward to develop a firm rotation and come out strong every game. No matter what the circumstances are, South Carolina is ready to play.
“The heat, the elements, we don’t let things like that beat us," linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams said. "Coach Muschamp talks to us all the time, we’re conditioned for it so we're ready to go."