With the start of the 2022 campaign just weeks away and hype steadily building off a successful debut (and offseason) for new coach Shane Beamer, it’s time to take a closer look at the Gamecocks’ opponents on the gridiron this year, starting with the season opener against the Georgia State Panthers.
Last meeting: Sept. 3 in Columbia will be the first time these programs battle it out, but there’s some familiarity between them: Shawn Elliott, entering his sixth year as the head man for the Panthers, was the Gamecocks’ offensive line coach (and then interim coach) during the Steve Spurrier era, when Beamer was also on staff as recruiting coordinator.