Phil Kornblut’s bold predictions for South Carolina’s 2023 football season

It’s Year Three for Shane Beamer at South Carolina, and he’ll try to accomplish what only three of his predecessors since 1960 were able to achieve: a winning season in the third year with the Gamecocks.

Over the last 62 years, only Brad Scott (six wins), Lou Holtz (nine wins) and Will Muschamp (seven wins) had a winning record in their third campaign in Columbia. For Beamer to match that trio, and perhaps eclipse the Holtz mark of nine wins, these predictions will need to come true:

Big year coming for Spencer Rattler

Spencer Rattler will have to play like a true Heisman candidate. He and new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains seemed to mesh in the spring and in preseason camp, and the pro-style scheme should be a blessing for Rattler. Plus, he has a plethora of talented receivers and tight ends to throw to.

Rattler threw for 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns last year in a system that did not play to his strength much of the season. Is a 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown season out of the question in this new offense? Rattler will hit those marks in 2023.

Dakereon Joyner will be a really good tailback

The wandering Gamecock Dakereon Joyner may have finally found his home at running back. Originally a quarterback and then a receiver, Joyner was moved to running back in the spring out of necessity after the transfer of MarShawn Lloyd to Southern Cal. Joyner has built up his body to absorb the blows, and also deliver them.

Here’s a prediction that Joyner will not only fill the void at running back but will flourish. He will be part of a USC running game that will average 140 yards per game, up from 119 yards per game last season. And, oh yes, he will throw at least two touchdown passes.

A good turn for turnovers

Reducing their turnovers on offense will be a big key for the Gamecocks this season. In 2022 they were one of the worst teams in the country at protecting the football. They ranked dead last in the SEC with 27 giveaways. There’s no way they can be an improved team if they don’t cut down on those mistakes.

There’s no doubt that’s been an emphasis in every practice. The prediction here is that the message has been delivered and the Gamecocks will cut those turnovers down to 12.

Big improvements for defense

One of Beamer’s primary objectives in the offseason was to improve his defense against the run. The prediction here is the Gamecocks won’t look like Clemson up front, but they will be better than last season. They have better depth across the line, and with the return to health of defensive end Jordan Strachan and linebacker Mo Kaba, the ability to rush the passer and stop the run will be improved.

The Gamecocks simply need to hold their own up front, and the call here is that they will hold teams under 130 rushing yards per game, a major improvement on last season’s mark of 198 yards per game. Last season they had just 20 sacks. Prediction here is for that number to jump to 33 this season.

Special teams will be special again

The special teams of Pete Lembo took the college football world by storm last season. Now, teams really have to prepare for them, and that’s a benefit to the Gamecocks. How good were those special teams? Mitch Jeter was 11-of-11 on field goals. Kai Kroeger averaged 46 yards per punt with 29 inside the 20 and was 4-of-4 with two touchdowns passing on fakes. And they had two punt returns and one kickoff return for touchdowns.

Can they repeat that? They sure can. Predictions here are that Jeter will go 15-of-17 on field goals, including a new career long of 55 yards. Kroeger will average over 47 yards per punt and will complete two more passes off of fakes. The return teams will combine for four touchdowns.

Today’s South Carolina game

Who: South Carolina (0-0) vs. UNC (0-0)

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ABC

Stream: Through the ESPN app or ESPN.com