Sad new:South Carolina Gamecocks lost one of their greatest player…

The effect of offensive line losses on Texas A&M gameWhen playing Texas A&M on Saturday, South Carolina football may be without all three of its starting wide receivers. As of Tuesday, the Gamecocks also had five offensive linemen that were questionable.

Antwane “Juice” Wells, the star receiver, will miss his sixth straight game after sustaining a foot injury against Georgia in Week 3. Although Wells is making a lot of progress in his rehabilitation, coach Shane Beamer stated that there is only “a chance” the senior would make a comeback before the end of the season. Due to a hamstring ailment, senior Ahmarean Brown is also questionable for this week’s play.

Beamer listed Xavier Legette, the 2023 season’s breakout star, as one of a long list of injured players who are doubtful for Saturday’s (noon, SEC Network) Gamecocks vs. Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2) game. With 736 receiving yards, Legette is presently third in the SEC; however, he left last week’s game against Missouri due to an upper-body injury sustained late in the first quarter.

On the offensive line, South Carolina is likewise battling a deluge of injuries. Vershon Lee, the right tackle, left tackle Tree Babalade, and right guard Trovon Baugh are the three starters who are questionable against the Aggies. Lee also missed the Missouri game due to a knee injury. Clearly feeling his absence, the Gamecocks surrendered six sacks.

Since the beginning of 2023, South Carolina has placed 11 different offensive lineman under an injury classification; three of those players have sustained injuries that have ended their seasons. In his years as a coach, Beamer claimed to have never witnessed a single position group struggle with as many problems, but he ascribed the scenario more to unluck than to a problem with the team’s strength and conditioning or athletic training.

“You’re constantly looking at everything that you’re doing coaching — X’s and O’s, schedule, how we practice, how we travel,” Beamer stated. “Having so many injuries in one place is troubling, but it’s not like you can pinpoint the cause. Regardless of how you feel about Cason Henry’s defeat at UNC,

According to Beamer, the squad lacks depth to manage its scout team, which is contributing to practice issues due to the numerous injuries on the line. The scout team’s offensive line duties have been filled by rookie tight end Lukas Vozeh and running back Kamron Sandlin. However, this doesn’t give the starters the same degree of competition as a true lineman might.

After seven games, South Carolina has allowed 31 sacks, ranking 127th out of 130 FBS schools. Beamer stated that although the team tried to plan plays that would shield quarterback Spencer Rattler in the pocket when playing Missouri, the game ultimately depends on how well the offensive line performs, whether its starters or not.

“We made an effort to pry the ball from his grasp more quickly. In an attempt to slow down the pass rush, we tried moving the pocket and throwing some screens to the running backs. We did things like double-team guys,” Beamer remarked. “You have to start doing your job at some point. You will eventually need to be able to defend. Our five offensive linemen must be able to perform because they are also on scholarships.”

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