Sad news for South Carolina Gamecocks: He will not return..

admin | February 9, 2024 | South Carolina Gamecocks | No Comments

An analysis of the numerous offensive line injuries and lineup changes in South Carolina football

After a 34-12 loss to Missouri on Saturday, South Carolina football is dealing with yet another horrific wave of injuries on the offensive line, despite some optimism following the open week.

In the second half of the game against the Tigers (6-1, 3-1 SEC), rookie left tackle Tree Babalade left with a knee injury, while starting right tackle Vershon Lee (knee) did not play. Since the beginning of the season, the Gamecocks (2-5, 1-4) have designated 10 different offensive linemen as injured; seven of those players are or were on the team’s depth chart.

On the field, the personnel dilemma is evident: South Carolina was ranked No. 125 out of 130 FBS teams in terms of sacks allowed prior to the Missouri game, with 25, and the Gamecocks gave up six more against the Tigers.

This is a history of all the offensive line injuries along with the most productive lineup combinations.

The offensive line’s misfortune started in the Garnet and Black spring game back in March. The team’s expected starting left tackle and best pass protector, Jaylen Nichols, had a knee injury that is likely going to finish the season, and there is little indication that he will be back in 2023.