Better or worse? Previewing South Carolina's defense in 2022

[FeatheredCock]

Clayton White was one of the best coordinators in the SEC last season, and for first-year coordinators who exceeded expectations, the Gamecocks’ defensive coordinator should be at the top of the list.

White’s aggressive style already paid dividends with turnovers last season, and this year there’s plenty of potential to lead the way with sack yardage. Replacing the likes of Kingsley Enagbare and Aaron Sterling up front will not be easy, but the Gamecocks have all the talent they need in that department.

So what’s the encore in 2022? Takeaways were the name of the game last season, as the Gamecocks were a ball-hawking secondary that gave quarterbacks nightmares. The challenge is the schedule, once again. The Gamecocks were 7th in the SEC last year giving up 24 points per game. However, bottling up the offenses from Georgia, Clemson, Texas A&M, Tennessee and even Missouri will be a tall order. All those teams scored at least 30 points against the Gamecocks last season.

So, let’s take a look at some categories and play better or worse for South Carolina in 2022. (ARTICLE) SDS

 

[kingofnerf]

I thought losing both Sherrod Greene and Zeb Noland to substantial injuries in the UGA game cost us the UK game the following week.

Doty soldiered through the foot injury, but he never was full strength and not having Noland and Greene available took us out of contention with the Vols more than we realized at the time.

I really thought Mizzou was winnable before Noland's injury because Doty would have had more time to heal and play better if Noland could have played for him in some games had he been healthy.

We should do better than last year if Satt's offense can have meaningful possessions and not cost us games by tiring the defense out.

If Satt's guys do well, then so will Clayton's.