Aug 303 min read

South Carolina to Begin Its Season Against Old Dominion

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks start their 2024 campaign when they host the Old Dominion Monarchs at 4:15 p.m. EST on Aug. 31 at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks look to start the season off strong against an opponent they should be able to beat. In their 130 years of college football history, the Gamecocks have compiled an 86 40-4 record in season openers. They finished last season with a 5-7 overall record and 3-5 in Southeastern Conference play. ODU finished 6-7 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt Conference, playing in the Famous Toastery Bowl where they lost to Western Kentucky 38-35 in overtime.

The Stakes

This will be the first time the two programs face one another. The Gamecocks look to continue their growth under Shane Beamer in his fourth season at the helm. He has led South Carolina to 20 victories and two bowl-game appearances. On the field, the Gamecocks have a new man in control of the offense, with redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers taking over the reins for Spencer Rattler, who now is a rookie quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.

Old Dominion looks to build on last season's 6-7 record on the arm of junior QB Grant Wilson. Last season, Wilson threw for 2,149 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Monarchs also expect to improve their running game with the addition of Rutgers transfer senior running back Aaron Young. Last season with the Scarlet Knights, Young carried the ball for 94 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 carries. Defensively, senior linebacker Jason Henderson is ready to continue last season's domination highlighted by leading the country in tackles per game (14.2) and finishing second in total tackles with 170. (Jay Higgins of Iowa had 171.)

Key Players: South Carolina

Offense: The key offensive player to watch in this game is Sellers, as he faces the pressure of taking on the QB1 role in Columbia, S.C. This matchup with the Monarchs presents an opportunity for him to get his feet wet. If he plays well, the Gamecocks will likely be off and running. If he plays poorly, South Carolina may need to recalibrate.

Defense: On defense, a key for the Gamecocks will be getting pressure on the Monarchs' QB, Wilson. Super senior defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway is one of the players to watch in the Gamecocks' pass-rushing attack. He excels at applying pressure in the interior and helping force bad throws which can result in turnovers.

Key Players: Old Dominion

Offense: The key player for Old Dominion on offense will be Wilson. Will he be able to move the ball around and avoid turnovers? Ball security and perceptive reading of the defense will be prerequisites to a successful performance by Wilson and the Monarchs' offense.

Defense: On the defensive side, a critical point for the Monarchs will be containing Sellers. To that end, the key Old Dominion player will be LB Henderson. His role will be to make sure he and his teammates are in position to prevent the Gamecocks from racking up big yards.

Trends to Watch

For the first time in a while, there is optimism in Columbia, with Gamecocks fans hopeful that local product Sellers can bring South Carolina back to relevancy. On the flip side, Old Dominion is still looking to get a foothold in the ever-expanding and improving Sun Belt. The first game of the season will be a good indicator of which of these teams are closer to their goals for the season early on.