South Carolina's Offense By The Numbers: A Closer Look

South Carolina's football program, particularly the offense, has left a lot to be desired in the first half of 2023. We take a closer look at some numbers.

This season, the Gamecocks offense has shown glimpses of brilliance in some instances yet has also had to overcome significant challenges - as reflected by the numbers. Let's delve into the details and analyze their offensive statistics.

Scoring Offense

The Gamecocks are averaging 27 points per game (PPG), the second worst mark in the SEC. The Gamecocks have struggled to fully capitalize on their offensive opportunities, particularly in the second half. They have scored 50 of their 135 total points this season in the second half, and if you exclude the second half points scored against Furman, that number drops to 30. This amounts to an average of 7.5 points per game in the second half, indicating a much-needed area of improvement for Dowell Loggains.

Rushing Offense

The rushing offense has been a significant concern this season. Averaging 87 yards per game (YPG), the Gamecocks rank last in the SEC in this category. The inability to establish a consistent run game has limited their offensive versatility and, at times, made them more predictable. The bright side has been Mario Anderson Jr. getting more and more run in the backfield as he put together his first 100-yard game this past weekend against Tennessee.

Sacks and TFLs Allowed

Another area of struggle for the Gamecocks has been their pass protection. They've allowed an average of 4.6 sacks and 8.6 tackles for loss (TFLs) per game, both the highest marks in the conference.

Total Offense

Despite the aforementioned struggles, there are bright spots in the Gamecocks' offense. Their total offense averages 399.2 YPG, which ranks 7th in the SEC. This indicates that while they have had difficulty in certain areas, they can move the ball effectively at times when they aren't shooting themselves in the foot.

Passing Offense

The most shining aspect of the Gamecocks' offense is their aerial attack. They've averaged 312.2 YPG through the air, making them the 4th best passing offense in the SEC. This strength has helped them overcome their struggling run game to an extent and has been the primary driver of their offensive success.

While the Gamecocks' offense shows promise with a potent passing game and solid total yardage, they need to improve drastically during the bye week. In order to put more points on the board, they should focus on improving their rushing offense, pass protection, and third-down efficiency. Additionally, finding ways to maintain their offensive momentum into the second half could help them secure more victories in the competitive SEC.

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