It appears that Stephen Garcia will start the year as the starter but will have an incredibly short leash after being suspended yet again this offseason. He finished last season 224-of-349 (64.2 percent) for 3,059 yards and 20 TDs. Garcia also rushed for six touchdowns. One big mistake, either on the field or off, means Connor Shaw will take over. The Gamecocks have arguably the best running back and receiver in the conference in Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery, respectively. Jeffery was one of the nation’s best receivers last year with a record-breaking campaign, pulling in 88 catches for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns. Lattimore, the 2010 National Freshman of the Year, is back for an encore at tailback after rushing for 1,197 yards and 17 TDs. Three starters are back on the line.

The defense brings back six starters. South Carolina allowed an average of 15 points in its nine wins last year. In its five losses, however, the Gamecocks were torched for 37.8 points. All eyes are on true freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit. He and All-SEC end Devin Taylor (7.5 sacks in 2010) should cause havoc for opposing QBs. The secondary is led by junior cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was first-team All-SEC last year after making a team-high 79 tackles.

South Carolina opens its season Sept. 3 vs. East Carolina. The Gamecocks’ over/under win total is 9 at Bodog. 

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