For the first time since 2011, the South Carolina Gamecocks will open their football season against an opponent that is not an SEC or ACC foe. On Sept. 1, the Gamecocks instead play host to the in-state Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, a newly-minted Sun Belt team that has completed their two-year transition to the FBS ranks. In the first of our opponent previews, here’s an initial look at what the Chants bring to the table in 2018.
Last meeting: First, a little bit of series history. In their only prior date, the Gamecocks and Chants last squared off in 2013, when a loaded South Carolina squad annihilated then-FCS Coastal to the tune of a 70-10 beatdown.