The State: Shawn Elliott trying to bring back fun for Gamecocks. Despite the lack of success for the team, Elliott has been trying to lighten things up - not to distract from the task at hand, of course, but to provide some moments of levity in a season that's been far from ideal. At the very least, the team will be looser and more relaxed going into their final four games. Ples, Gamecocks defense ready for more high tempo; things still unclear at safety. Texas A&M provided some prep for the Gamecocks as the Volunteers will bring a much-higher tempo to the table than the Aggies.