College Football

South Carolina ready to debut fast-paced offense in opener

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:42 p.m. ET

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Ready, set, tempo.

South Carolina has pinned much of its hopes for an improved offense on a fast-paced, quick strike attack it's worked on since changing offensive coordinators last December.

The first try for the Gamecocks comes Saturday when they open the season at home against Coastal Carolina of the Sun Belt Conference. After struggling on offense — South Carolina was 14th and 12th in overall Southeastern Conference offense in Muschamp's first two years — the coach promoted receivers coach Bryan McClendon to guide the attack.

McClendon has preached speed, speed and more speed during the spring and summer practice sessions.

McClendon's mentality, Muschamp said, "is very aggressive in what we're trying to do down the field. In order to create explosive plays, you have to take some shots."

The Gamecocks may the players to make those shots count.

Returning this week is receiver Deebo Samuel, who had accounted for six touchdowns in less than 11 quarters before missing the final 10 games with a broken leg.

Tailback Rico Dowdle, who struggled with injuries, is also healthy and looking to get back to the form that saw him lead South Carolina in rushing as freshman.

Quarterback Jake Bentley has taken well to the juiced-up offense that's required quicker decision making than his first two seasons as a starter. Muschamp said Bentley's completed about 68 percent of his throws during preseason drills.

"I think he's had a really good training camp," Muschamp said. "And he's got some weapons outside."

Coastal Carolina, in its third season as a Football Bowl Subdivision member, is now eligible for the postseason. The only other time the Chanticleers came to South Carolina in 2013, the Gamecocks had their way with the FCS opponent in a 70-10 victory. Coastal coach Joe Moglia thought that loss hampered his team's playoff run because of the physical pounding they took in the loss.

Then again, last year, the Chants led at Arkansas 38-25 with 10 minutes left before falling 39-38.

"I don't think either one has anything to do with what's coming on Saturday," Moglia said.

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