Tag: Shane Beamer

South Carolina will kick off its spring football practice in just over two weeks. The first official practice is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, with the Garnet & Black Spring Game taking place on Friday, April 18.

Here’s the full practice schedule and additional details from USC Athletics:

QUICKLY: The fifth year of Shane Beamer’s tenure at South Carolina will begin with spring practices starting on Wednesday, March 19. The Gamecocks are slated for 14 practices, culminating in the annual Garnet & Black Spring Game on Friday, April 18.

WE’RE TALKIN’ ABOUT PRACTICE: Most practices will occur at the football practice fields near Gamecock Park, next to the Long Family Football Operations Center, or in the Jerri and Steve Spurrier indoor practice facility. Practices will typically take place in the mornings, around 9 a.m. Saturday scrimmages will occur at Williams-Brice Stadium in the late morning.

SNEAK PEEK: Credentialed media will have four chances to watch portions of spring practices. These opportunities are on Wednesday, March 19, Thursday, March 27, Thursday, April 3, and Thursday, April 10. On March 19, March 27, and April 3, media will observe the first three periods (roughly 20 minutes), and on April 10, they will watch the first six periods (about 40 minutes). Live streaming will not be permitted. Media will enter the practice fields through the gate between the indoor facility and operations building, with Carolina communications staff escorting them in at 9:43 a.m. for the flex period. Media will be directed to stay on the south end of the practice fields unless told otherwise.

HEARING FROM THE HEAD COACH: Head coach Shane Beamer will host four press conferences during spring drills, beginning Monday, March 17, and continuing on Tuesday, April 1, Tuesday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 15. These press conferences will start at 12:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on South Carolina Athletics’ official site, GamecocksOnline.com. Beamer will also speak after the Garnet & Black Spring Game on Friday, April 18.

OC/DC SOUND: Offensive coordinator Mike Shula and defensive coordinator Clayton White will meet with the media twice during the spring: first on Monday, March 24, and again on Monday, April 14, at 12:30 p.m.

COACH SPEAK: The other eight on-field position coaches will be available once during spring ball for media interviews. Running backs coach Marquel Blackwell, pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach Mike Furrey, and defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach Torrian Gray will be available on Tuesday, March 25. Offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, defensive run game coordinator/outside linebackers/defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas, and defensive line coach Travian Robertson will be available on Monday, March 31. Run game coordinator/tight end coach Shawn Elliott and associate head coach/special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis are scheduled for Monday, April 7. All assistant coach media sessions will start at 12:30 p.m.

WHAT DID THE GAMECOCKS SAY?: Approved players will be available for media interviews on five consecutive Wednesdays during the spring: March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, and April 16, starting around 12:15 p.m. Media requests for players must be submitted to Steve Fink  by 11 a.m. on the Monday before the availability. While every effort will be made to fulfill requests, there may be conflicts due to time constraints.

WHERE DOES THIS TAKE PLACE?: All press conferences will be held in the defensive team/media room on the second floor of the Long Family Football Operations Center. Media should enter through the north side of the building and take the service elevator to the second floor.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY: Except for the Garnet & Black Spring Game, all spring practices are closed to the public.

PLAY THE GAME: The Garnet & Black Spring Game is set for Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium. More information will be provided soon.

PRO TIMING DAY: South Carolina’s annual Pro Timing Day will be held on Tuesday, March 18, where 25 former Gamecocks will showcase their skills for NFL scouts. The event starts at 8 a.m. in the weight room at the football ops facility, moving to the Jerri and Steve Spurrier indoor practice facility around 9 a.m. Media will be allowed to watch the on-field portion. Players will be available for interviews as their schedules allow. Pro Day is not open to the public, and the deadline for credentials is Thursday, March 13, at 5 p.m.

BACKSTREETS BACK: Todd Ellis will host the spring edition of “Carolina Calls with Shane Beamer” on Thursday, April 17. The show, which airs live from Backstreets Grill in Columbia, will begin at 6 p.m. and can be heard on the Gamecocks’ flagship station, WNKT-FM (107.5), and streamed on GamecocksOnline.com.

2025 SOUTH CAROLINA SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE AND MEDIA AVAILABILITY SCHEDULE

Monday, March 17: Head Coach Shane Beamer Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, March 18: Pro Timing Day – 8:00 am

Wednesday, March 19: Practice #1 – Open to Media (Periods 1-3 starting at 9:43 am); Players Press Conference – 12:15 pm

Thursday, March 20: No media availability

Friday, March 21: Practice #2 – No media availability

Saturday, March 22: No media availability

Monday, March 24: Mike Shula & Clayton White Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, March 25: Practice #3; Marquel Blackwell, Mike Furrey & Torrian Gray Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Wednesday, March 26: Players Press Conference – 12:15 pm

Thursday, March 27: Practice #4 – Open to Media (Periods 1-3 starting at 9:43 am)

Friday, March 28: No media availability

Saturday, March 29: Practice #5; Coaches Clinic – No media availability

Monday, March 31: Lonnie Teasley, Sterling Lucas & Travian Robertson Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, April 1: Practice #6; Head Coach Shane Beamer Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Wednesday, April 2: Players Press Conference – 12:15 pm

Thursday, April 3: Practice #7 – Open to Media (Periods 1-3 starting at 9:43 am)

Friday, April 4: No media availability

Saturday, April 5: Practice #8 – No media availability

Monday, April 7: Shawn Elliott & Joe DeCamillis Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, April 8: Practice #9; Head Coach Shane Beamer Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Wednesday, April 9: Players Press Conference – 12:15 pm

Thursday, April 10: Practice #10 – Open to Media (Periods 1-6 starting at 9:43 am)

Friday, April 11: No media availability

Saturday, April 12: Practice #11; Ladies’ Clinic – No media availability

Monday, April 14: Mike Shula & Clayton White Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, April 15: Practice #12; Head Coach Shane Beamer Press Conference – 12:30 pm

Wednesday, April 16: Players Press Conference – 12:15 pm

Thursday, April 17: Practice #13; Carolina Calls – 6:00 pm

Friday, April 18: Garnet & Black Spring Game – 7:30 pm

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is set to testify at a pivotal House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing focused on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its impact on college sports. The hearing, titled “Moving the Goalposts: How NIL is Reshaping College Athletics,” is scheduled by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who chairs the subcommittee.

Other key witnesses include Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, Duke track athlete Emily Cole, Abilene Christian’s Anthony Egbo, and Justin Falcinelli, a former Clemson offensive lineman and vice president of the College Football Players Association. These experts will share their perspectives on how NIL is changing the landscape of collegiate athletics.

This hearing marks the first one since Republicans gained full control of Congress and the White House. According to On3, in November, Sen. Ted Cruz was reported to be working on new NIL legislation and has met with Power Four schools to refine a potential bill.

The hearing is expected to serve as a forum for gathering opinions as Bilirakis works through the complex issue. Earlier this year, he introduced the FAIR College Sports Act in January 2024, a move aimed at addressing these challenges.

Meanwhile, Cruz, who recently won his Senate race in Texas against Democrat Colin Allred (a former Baylor linebacker), plays a significant role in the Senate Commerce Committee as chair, which influences legislation regarding college sports. In the past, Cruz has hosted roundtables with notable figures like Nick Saban and the Cavinder Twins.

The hearing also coincides with the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to establish a new enforcement entity to curb the influence of NIL collectives, as outlined in a recent House v. NCAA settlement. This initiative, however, will require Congress to act, as state laws continue to override the settlement without federal legislative intervention.

NCAA president Charlie Baker, the former Massachusetts governor, has been actively lobbying lawmakers in Washington, D.C., since June 2022, attempting to steer the conversation. Both Republicans and Democrats have diverging views on the future of college sports legislation. Democrats generally favor a revenue split and health and safety provisions for athletes, while some Republican bills aim to ensure athletes are not classified as employees.

Stay tuned as the hearing unfolds to shed more light on the future of NIL in college athletics.

Trust can be a fragile thing, and in the world of college football, it can cut deep. Just ask Dabo Swinney, who’s feeling a bit of friendly fire from none other than his former ally, Shane Beamer. Their rivalry is intense—everyone remembers last season when South Carolina players came close to planting their flag on the Clemson paw. But that wasn’t the biggest snub—Beamer’s latest recruiting tactic has caused a stir, and it involves none other than Swinney.

Let’s cut to the chase: Marcus Freeman, much like Shane Beamer and Dabo Swinney, has a solid relationship with the Gamecocks head coach. Freeman recently posted a snapshot of a meeting with Beamer and his son, Hunter Beamer, all smiles and laughing on social media. But then, Shane Beamer added a little spice to the situation with a cheeky caption about recruiting, saying, “BIG recruiting battle coming over the next 7 years for this young prospect!”

And, as if to add more intrigue, Beamer picked his winner, saying, “I think his mom will be key to the decision, so I like ⁦@GamecockFB’s chances. 🤙🏻😀.” Though this is all in good fun, it’s noteworthy that Beamer’s son, Hunter, was once a big fan of Dabo Swinney.

This admiration started back when Beamer coached at Oklahoma, a time far removed from the intense rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina. Beamer even shared a video of Hunter excelling in flag football, dreaming of playing for Swinney. The respect was mutual, with Swinney and Hunter sharing a warm hug before a game last season. But things changed after a tough 30-0 defeat in 2021, and Hunter’s admiration for Clemson quickly diminished.

Shane Beamer himself admitted, “I think there’s still a good, healthy respect for Dabo. My son doesn’t like to lose. So he liked Dabo a lot better before we got beat last year.” Even so, Swinney continues to check in on Hunter, and there’s no bad blood between them. But, as Beamer said, “He realized pretty quick what this rivalry is about, so there’s a healthy respect, but the love fest, I think, isn’t what it was.” A tough loss can indeed end childhood fandom, and the rivalry has clearly taken hold.

But there’s a bigger concern brewing for Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks, and it’s not just about the rivalry.

While Beamer’s squad enjoyed a 9-game winning streak last season, which included a victory over ACC champion Clemson, they were still snubbed by the College Football Playoff committee. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, SEC Mike from That SEC Football Podcast raised some real concerns. He pointed out that despite South Carolina‘s offensive success, with 54% production, their defense has taken a major hit, losing over half of their production—including star edge rusher and Bronco Nagurski winner Kyle Kennard.

Mike also pointed out that their schedule last year didn’t show true dominance. While wins over teams like Akron and Old Dominion were solid, losses to Alabama and Ole Miss exposed a gap between South Carolina and the SEC’s top-tier teams. If Beamer wants to lead his team into the playoff conversation, it’s clear they’ll need more than just a winning record—they’ll need significant, statement victories.

Still, let’s not overlook the strength of South Carolina’s squad. LaNorris Sellers, a Heisman hopeful, leads a dynamic offense, and Dylan Stewart, one of the top edge rushers, anchors a defense that ranked third in the SEC last season. Cousin Shane put it boldly, saying, “I feel like South Carolina can move up this list; they’ve got a Heisman quarterback, and they’ve got one of the best defenses in the country.” It’s a bold statement, but if Beamer wants to make a statement of his own, this is his chance to turn things around.

The road ahead is tough, but if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks.

Shane Beamer’s Heartwarming Father-Son Moment Sparks Controversy Over Clemson Hat

Good evening, reporting live from Columbia, South Carolina. The buzz surrounding South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has been impossible to ignore lately, especially after the Gamecocks extended his contract through 2030, securing him a hefty $8.15 million per year. Beamer now ranks as the 9th-highest-paid coach in the SEC, right alongside Brent Venables. But despite all the attention from his recent football success, it’s not a victory on the field that has everyone talking today—it’s a father-son fishing trip.

The Clemson-Colored Hat Controversy

On February 16, Shane Beamer shared a touching post on Twitter, showcasing his heartwarming fishing day with his son. Captioning the photos with, “What a great day in the Low Country of SC…”, Beamer expressed his love for the state, adding, “Once again, there’s nothing better than living in South Carolina (especially living in Columbia and playing football!!)”.

But it wasn’t just the sentiment that caught attention. In one of the images, Beamer was spotted sporting a bright orange hat—an unfortunate shade for South Carolina fans, as orange is closely associated with their archrivals, Clemson.

The Historic Rivalry Between South Carolina and Clemson

As any South Carolina fan knows, the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina runs deep. Dating back to 1896, the two schools have clashed on the field in what is known as the Palmetto Bowl. Their rivalry is more than just a game—it’s an annual battle for state supremacy. A particularly infamous moment in the rivalry occurred in 2004, when a brawl broke out between the teams, leading both schools to turn down bowl invitations. The rivalry extends beyond the field, with legendary figures like Jadeveon Clowney adding fuel to the fire by mocking Clemson QB Tajh Boyd in 2013.

The Rivalry’s Lasting Impact

Even in more recent years, with Clemson winning national titles in 2016 and 2018, Gamecock fans have kept up their passionate opposition, often downplaying Clemson’s success. But in 2022, South Carolina shocked everyone with a dramatic 31-30 victory, ending a painful seven-game losing streak against their rivals. The celebrations in Columbia were nothing short of electric, a true catharsis for Gamecock Nation.

Beamer Clears the Air on the Hat

Naturally, the sight of the orange hat left some fans uneasy. With the rivalry in full force year-round, even a minor slip-up like this could raise eyebrows. Shane Beamer, aware of the stir he caused, quickly took to Twitter to reassure the fanbase, saying, “And don’t worry #GamecockNation, this is the ONLY time we’ll be wearing orange.”

Fans React: A Mixed Response

Despite the coach’s clarification, fans didn’t take the gesture lightly. Social media lit up with passionate comments, urging Beamer to ditch the orange once and for all. For many, it wasn’t just about the hat—it was a symbol of loyalty to their team. However, some fans lightened the mood with humor. One joked, “We’ll allow it this time, Coach. Looks like a grand time.” It seems that despite the little slip, Beamer’s bond with Gamecock Nation remains unshaken.

A Deeper Meaning Behind the Moment

Ultimately, for many, the focus wasn’t on the color of the hat, but on the memories made during a special day outdoors. Whether the orange sparked rivalry or simply nostalgia, Beamer’s gesture has resonated with fans in a way that transcends the typical football rivalry. After all, moments like these—father and son spending quality time together—are priceless, regardless of the color.

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In the ongoing SEC drama, Shane Beamer’s feelings toward Lan Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels are no secret.

Had Shane Beamer’s South Carolina Gamecocks avoided their dismal performance against Ole Miss, there’s a good chance they could have made it into the College Football Playoff. Both teams ended the season with identical 9-3 (5-3) records, just shy of the playoff cut. South Carolina, playing some of their best football late in the season, was left on the outside looking in.

However, months after the season ended, Beamer is still airing his grievances about the Rebels’ tactics.

“A team that we played this season — it’s amazing how many times they had an injury on defense after the opposing offense made a first down on an explosive play and had some momentum,”

Beamer shared with Pete Nakos of On3. It’s clear who Beamer is referring to, as Ole Miss has had a reputation for faking injuries to slow down the game — a tactic often employed by their defense.

Under Kiffin, Ole Miss has typically been a high-powered offensive team, but defensively, they’ve struggled. Beamer’s frustration stems from this, as it seems the Rebels’ injury antics came at the most inconvenient times for his Gamecocks, typically after big plays that shifted momentum.

Looking ahead, South Carolina might be a stronger team next season, but Ole Miss still has a formula to beat them, particularly when they find themselves in high-scoring shootouts. With LaNorris Sellers being a significant part of the Gamecocks’ offensive game, it can be difficult for them to come from behind once they’re trailing in a fast-paced game.

With the SEC schedule flipping this season, South Carolina is set to face Ole Miss again this fall, and this rivalry is one that’s bound to get even more interesting.

Lane Kiffin is no stranger to controversy, and his reputation as a troll is well-known. While his antics may have sometimes overshadowed Ole Miss’ playoff aspirations, there’s no denying his ability to elevate the program. Yet, some argue his personality might also hold them back from reaching their true potential.

On the other hand, while Beamer has restored South Carolina to relevance, his team has still faced a few tough losses each season. The game against Ole Miss last year was arguably their worst, and while the Gamecocks have pulled off some impressive wins, Beamer’s aggressive attitude might sometimes be more bark than bite.

At the end of the day, there’s something special about these teams — two that don’t meet often enough in SEC play — showing a little extra edge. Rivalries in the SEC are legendary, and while some secondary rivalries may be more compelling than others, the emergence of this Ole Miss-South Carolina feud is one that adds more excitement to the league.

In the end, only one of these teams will come out on top when they face off this season, and that’s what makes this rivalry so compelling.

Shane Beamer has earned significant praise for his performance during the 2024 season, with the Gamecocks finishing at a solid 9-4, a huge improvement from their 5-7 record last year. However, while his success on the field is a point of celebration for South Carolina fans, his off-field actions are also making headlines – and not always in a positive light. Let me tell you why.

Beamer has found himself in the center of several controversies, including accusations of Ole Miss misusing injuries and recent remarks about the SEC’s dominance over other conferences, which have caused frustration among analysts, journalists, and fans alike.

In a conversation with On3, Beamer shared his thoughts on the SEC’s standing above other conferences. “Look, I’ve got great respect for other conferences. I’ve been to other conferences. I’ve been [a] part of the ACC, I’ve been [a] part of the Big 12. There’s no question that there [is] good football everywhere… But when you just talk about the teams in this league, and the teams you play week in and week out, it’s different. And you look at the NFL draft every single year, It’s 20 straight years that the SEC has led the nation in draft picks. People can say, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’ Well, yeah, it does. We’re playing the best players in the country…”

So far, that was typical praise for the SEC. But Beamer didn’t stop there. His next comments stirred up controversy.

“I’ve been a part of other leagues where you go into a stadium, and there are 20,000 people in the stands, and you’re in a Power Four conference. Not at this conference. Every road venue you go in[to], you’re playing in front of 70,000, 80,000, 90,000, 100,000 people every single Saturday,” Beamer added. While some of his comments hold truth, they didn’t sit well with many supporters of other conferences.

Drake C Troll, host of the Locked on Big 12 podcast, immediately challenged Beamer’s statements.

“Everything Shane Beamer said, the SEC is good no doubt no one’s trying to take it away from you. The SEC is the best conference in college football. Guess what? We’re actually giving it to you in the form of money. We’re giving you more money. But now you have to come to a podium and tell me that we’re so good. You know who does this: Head coaches whose teams won’t make the NCAA tournament.” Troll pointed out the irony, noting that while Beamer’s team may have come close to making the playoffs, they still didn’t qualify, making Beamer’s remarks less than ideal.

Drake also raised a few concerns about the Gamecocks’ shortcomings that Beamer seemed to ignore. One key issue was South Carolina’s loss to Illinois in the Citrus Bowl. Illinois, a Big Ten team, doesn’t compete in the SEC, yet Beamer wasn’t addressing the defeat.

Troll also pointed out the danger of excessive self-promotion: “Anyone who tells you they’re number one probably isn’t number one. Anybody you ask to go in there and say hey, we’re the best ever, and everybody who has continued to tout themselves in the resume is doing it because one reason that’s because they have a deficiency somewhere they want you to ignore.”

Indeed, despite their successful season, the Gamecocks did have some glaring weaknesses. Early turnover issues were a problem, and their penalty yards per game were among the highest in the SEC, ranking as low as 15th by Week 6. Though they improved over the course of the season, they finished 10th in penalties. Their sack totals also left much to be desired, with the team finishing 13th in that department.

In the end, it’s clear that while Beamer’s 2024 season was a success in many ways, some weaknesses are still present. If Beamer continues to make bold, headline-grabbing statements, analysts and fans may begin to scrutinize those gaps in his team’s performance more closely. Only time will tell if he can address these issues as effectively as he handles his public persona.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer once again expressed his growing frustration over the rising issue of fake injuries in college football.

The Gamecocks had a strong season, finishing 9-4 — their best since 2017 — in Beamer’s fourth year as head coach. However, their 27-3 loss to Ole Miss, which ended any hopes of making the College Football Playoff, sparked accusations that fake injuries were being used to disrupt the game.

Speaking out about the detrimental impact of fake injuries, Beamer reflected on his earlier comments after that game and shared a concerning observation. “It absolutely does (impact the game),” he told Pete Nakos of On3. “A team that we played this season — it’s amazing how many times they had an injury on defense after the opposing offense made a first down on an explosive play and had some momentum. There’s certainly something to that, and you have to be able to overcome it as a team.”

These comments come in the wake of Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss having to address similar accusations following their win over the Gamecocks on Oct. 5. Later, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issued a memo to schools warning about the possible penalties for faking injuries.

Beamer continued, emphasizing the negative impact of the practice. “We’re not perfect, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But certainly, that is what some people are using it for. One, to slow momentum, or two to catch their breath. If a team is going fast and they need a minute to catch their breath. It’s not what the sport intended for.”

The issue has garnered enough attention that the NCAA Football Rules Committee is set to meet in late February in Indianapolis to discuss potential changes. One proposed solution, from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), which includes Beamer, suggests that any player who receives medical attention for an injury should be required to sit out for the remainder of the possession. The proposal would exclude players who are injured by a hit or those with helmet communication systems. Teams could still keep a player in the game by using a timeout.

Currently, the rule mandates that injured players miss only one play.

Beamer continued to condemn the practice, describing some situations as “absolutely embarrassing” for the sport. “There’s no question that it’s a bad look for everyone involved,” Beamer stated. “Look, there were some absolutely embarrassing, blatant faking of injuries that we saw this season. And it’s not what’s best for the game. There’s no question about it. The teams don’t want to see it. The fans don’t want to see it.”

Anyone who watched the bowl games at the close of 2024 and into the start of 2025 would know that the SEC endured a rough postseason in college football.

Texas A&M fell to USC, Tennessee was crushed by Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, Alabama was defeated by a lackluster Michigan squad, Navy triumphed over Oklahoma, Illinois beat South Carolina, Arizona State had a potential fourth-quarter win over Texas overturned due to poor officiating, Notre Dame topped Georgia, and finally, Ohio State comfortably handled Texas, securing a second consecutive title for the Big Ten.

While the SEC did manage some bowl victories and clearly had several top teams, no one who closely follows college football could argue that the results proved the SEC warranted more respect or automatic advantages.

That is, except for South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, apparently.

Shane Beamer Advocates for SEC Automatic Bids to the CFP

In an interview with On3’s Pete Nakos, Shane Beamer expressed his belief that the SEC deserves automatic bids to the College Football Playoff, stating that “it’s just different” in the SEC, which he believes justifies the conference’s place in the playoff.

“The fact of the matter is, we beat the ACC Champion on their field this year and didn’t get in…I do believe this league is just different than others and there has to be some consideration.”

That’s certainly an interesting perspective, though not one without its flaws.

South Carolina suffered a loss to Illinois in a bowl game. Illinois, with a 9-4 season record, is hardly a team that warrants a playoff spot. They narrowly defeated Old Dominion by just four points at home, 23-19. They were also defeated by LSU, who finished unranked, and managed only three points in a 27-3 loss to Ole Miss. To top it off, they were defeated by a four-loss Alabama team.

While they did secure a win against Clemson, a single victory over another conference champion doesn’t automatically guarantee playoff entry, even with 12 spots available.

The idea that “it’s just different in the SEC” needs to be put to rest—yesterday, not today. Yes, the SEC boasts many excellent programs, some with storied success and others with recent triumphs. They also enjoy strong fan support and have a media presence that emphasizes the conference’s unique status. However, this “difference” is largely overstated.

When USC was dominant in college football, there was no talk of the Pac-10 being “just different.” The same applies to Alabama’s dominance, as other SEC teams have acted as though Nick Saban’s success has somehow made the entire conference invincible in theoretical matchups.

In reality, the SEC might have some advantages over other top conferences. For instance, the Big Ten teams now have to deal with cross-country travel, with West Coast teams traveling to places like Maryland or New Jersey. The SEC, however, remains primarily centered in the South, and even with expansion, travel remains easier. Moreover, the SEC plays eight conference games compared to the Big Ten’s nine, often using that extra non-conference game to schedule an FCS team for a de facto bye week.

With 12 playoff spots, South Carolina only needed to avoid three losses to make it into the postseason. They couldn’t do that, and that’s why they didn’t make the cut.