Talking Tuesday: #Gamecocks focused on limiting impact of Missouri’s talented WR corps, end losing streak to Tigers (AUDIO)

Shane Beamer hasn’t had a lot of success against Missouri in his time at the helm of the Gamecocks, losing all three matchups against Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers. In his press conference, Tuesday, Beamer summed up the issue against Mizzou thusly, “They’ve been better. A lot of that has been our inability to run the football against these guys.”

USC has dropped its last five to the Tigers, dating back to 2019. South Carolina will look to reverse that trend when it plays host to 24th-ranked Missouri at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday. Oddsmakers are confident the Gamecocks can do just that, installing USC as a 13.5-point favorite.

If the Gamecocks are going to run their winning streak to four, they’ll have to put the clamps on an offense that features a pair of receivers destined for the NFL: Luther Burden, III and Theo Wease, Jr.

Beamer’s chief concern is the amount of yards after the catch the duo produces. “You’ve got to tackle. Burden and Wease, they’re going to get their catches,” Beamer said. “It’s really impressive watching what those guys do once they catch the ball … We’ve got to limit what he (Burden) does and what Theo (Wease, Jr.) with the ball in their hands, which is easier said than done”

South Carolina, into the AP poll this week at no. 24 for the first time this season, must also keep overconfidence at bay. Beamer said, “Let’s be real, the last time we got ranked, we didn’t play worth a crap the next week.” The last time USC was ranked, was the week leading up to a 23-10 home loss to Missouri on Oct. 29th, 2022.

Beamer doesn’t expect history to repeat itself, however, noting that this group of Gamecocks has set its sights higher than bowl eligibility and a six-win season.

Key comments from Shane Beamer

• On Mizzou’s receiving corps: Arguably, the best WR corps in SEC w/Luther Burden III and Theo Wease, Jr. We’ve got to figure out a way to defend this outside zone scheme and keep them from getting the ball to #3 (Luther Burden, III) and #1 (Theo Wease, Jr.)
• We’ve got to do a good job at tackling. We’re not going to stop them (WRs) from getting touches. They find different ways to get the ball in their hands (end arounds, etc). We have to limit what they do after they catch it.
• On improved run game: Credit to the RBs (Sanders, Adaway III), Sellers’ ability to run helps, too. OL is also doing some good things. Been pretty healthy giving us some continuity. And some credit to the staff for the scheme, too. Building on scheme every week
• On improved offense since bye week: It’s a little bit of everything. Some of it was self-scouting, do less of what’s not working. Rocket (Sanders) continues to get healthier. More called QB runs where there isn’t a read, and young players getting better
• Pleasant surprises on roster: I knew Kyle Kennard was good, I don’t know that I thought he’d be this good. On tape, I saw the explosion, the bend, the strength. But this past summer, a former NFL head coach started talking about how good Kennard will be and what a good pickup he was. He’s been dominant
• On QB LaNorris Sellers’ low-key personality: Steady, doesn’t change his persona. He’s always been confident, poised and competitive. So, we haven’t seen a change. He’s probably more willing to speak up now. Has a good handle on what it means to be an SEC QB
• Likes the early signing period. Sign the high school players FIRST and THEN you focus on the portal
• On portal: Sometimes, we get criticized for taking guys from small programs, but we trust our evaluations. We’re not looking for guys that want to “rent a program” for a year and just collect NIL. We look for guys that want to be a part of a team and fit us

Shane Beamer previews Missouri game