South Carolina Set to Host Furman

The Furman Paladins are headed to Columbia, South Carolina, to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Furman (1-0) is coming off of a 45-10 win against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. South Carolina (0-1) is looking for their first win of the season after a 31-17 loss against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Struggling in the Trenches

Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler was sacked nine times against North Carolina. Due to a mix of injuries and transfer players to the offensive line, time will be needed in order to get right. They’ll get a slight break as Furman was only able to record one sack against Tennessee Tech. Though, Rattler will be up against a scrappy Paladin’s defense, which had four interceptions including two that were returned for touchdowns. South Carolina also struggled to stop the run which could become problematic as Furman was just four yards shy of hitting 200 rushing yards.

Dan Scianna with a 67-yard Pick 6! pic.twitter.com/KOj68HWpCV

— Furman Football (@PaladinFootball) September 1, 2023

Losing More Than Just the Game

The Gamecocks had a rough start to the season and they also suffered multiple injuries. Linebacker Mo Kaba left early with a knee injury, and he is already coming back from a season ending injury last season. Right tackle Carson Henry, safety Nick Emmanwori and wide receivers Antwane Wells Jr. and Ahmarean Brown all went down during the game. Luckily for the Gamecocks, it isn’t all bad news as true freshman safety Jalon Kilgore put on a show. He had the second most tackles for the Gamecocks with 12 total tackles and five solo tackles.

Keep Your Foot on the Gas

Furman’s highest scoring quarter was the fourth quarter Saturday, scoring 21 points.  South Carolina put up 14 in the third but was shut out in the final quarter of the game. Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer knows that his team needs to make improvements and knows where to start.

Touchdown Tar Heels! pic.twitter.com/s7MNKLtAjA

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 3, 2023

South Carolina looks to rebound after a poor performance in their opener against UNC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Columbia.