South Carolina released its finalized 2018 schedule earlier this week, and at first glance, it looks like the most favorable slate in years.
A few things to note:
- The out-of-conference schedule could not possibly be easier (with the exception of our friends in Clemson, of course). Coastal Carolina, Marshall, and Chattanooga is not exactly a murderer’s row, nor would it impress the playoff committee. But the Gamecocks aren’t there yet — they’re just trying to get some wins, and this is certainly a good way to do it.
- That Coastal matchup will be the first time the Gamecocks have opened the season with a non-Power 5 opponent since 2011 and the first time they open at home since 2014.