Roller Coaster Year Continues for Young Gamecocks

COLUMBIA, SC. -- Before the 2016 season began for the Gamecocks, expectations were not very high, but a third of the way through the season, fans have reason to believe a bowl game is within reach.  The first game showed no progress for the Gamecock offense as a starting quarterback could still not be decided upon.  The offensive woes continued into the next week as the offense was only able to produce 14 points against a stout Mississippi State Bulldogs team.  The only good to come from that game was a starting quarterback was finally decided as true freshman Brandon Mcilwain was named starter.  In week three, the offense showed much improvement under the command of Mcilwain as the Gamecocks were able to produce 20 points in a win against the East Carolina Pirates.  The following week the offense seemed to return to "normal form" from what Gamecock fans expected this year as McIlwain and Co. were only able to muster 10 points against a very lackluster Kentucky Wildcats defense.  The bright spots for the Gamecocks as a team however has been defense and special teams.  The Gamecock defense is you and rejuvenated as they are only allowing 17.3 ppg which ranks 24th in the nation.  The special teams has been superb again this year as senior punter Sean Kelly ranks 8th in NET punt average and fellow senior kicker Elliot Fry has hit 5/6 field goals this season including a career long of 55 yards.  The Gamecocks as a whole face a monumental challenge this Saturday as they take on No. 9 Texas A&M (4 p.m. est.) at Williams-Brice Stadium.