Key notes on the USC Gamecocks: Shane Beamer is in his first season at USC, and in his first season as a head coach; the Gamecocks were 2-8 in 2020 and did not play in a postseason game; the Gamecocks will carry a six game losing streak into the 2021 season; 14 starters return, 8 on offense and 6 on defense; also, starting punter and placekicker return; the Gamecocks averaged 23.5 points per game last season and allowed 36 points and 452 yards per game; the Gamecocks will open the season at home September 4th against Eastern Illinois; their SEC opener will be September 18th at Georgia.