The downturn in the USC season has raised the heat on fifth year Gamecock head coach Will Muschamp. Back to back losses to LSU and Texas A&M in which the Gamecocks were outscored 100-27 dropped the team to a 2-4 record and raised the level of criticism of Muschamp to a new high. There are plenty who believe Muschamp will not survive to coach a sixth season. Some wonder if he’ll make it thru to the end of the season. But at his Tuesday Zoom media conference, Muschamp did not display the concerns of a coach under fire. For him, it’s all about getting ready for Ole Miss, also a 2-4 team. And the biggest focus of the week is deciding on a starting quarterback between Collin Hill and Ryan Hilinski.
Key comments from Muschamp:
- Overall team speed of Ole Miss jumps out at you, lead league in about every category on offense.
- Ole Miss very good in skill positions, play with tempo, they do a nice job attacking with tempo and also schematically.
- Hill and Hilinski both getting equal reps in practice, there’s a package for Doty, could be right up until pre-game on a starting quarterback.
- Appreciates the support his players expressed for him today during their media sessions. Tells his players to control what they can control and right now that’s focusing on Ole Miss and preparing for that game.
- Felt they lacked a spark in Saturday’s game and a change at the quarterback position sometimes can provide that.
- Last two ball games, it’s been a lot more than just quarterback play hurting the team.
- Talks regularly with AD Ray Tanner, they’ve talked this week, said Tanner remains supportive as he has throughout his time with the Gamecocks.
- They’ve not had any issues as a result of the Texas A&M Covid problems.
- Jakai Moore will get more opportunities to play on the OL.
- Expects Sterling and Mullins to be OK for this week’s game.
- What he learned from his difficult end at Florida that can help him now at USC is “win games.”
- Jalen Brooks is an excellent receiver and he will make catches. Glad he’s in the program.
- Asked if he’s worried about his job security, Muschamp replied, “No.”
