Ranking 2022 opponents by difficulty

COLUMBIA – Few different packages in faculty soccer have generated as a lot momentum this offseason as South Carolina.

The Gamecocks exceeded expectations from most pundits final season by going 7-6, capped by a dominating win over North Carolina in Duke’s Mayo Bowl. One of many highest-rated gamers within the switch portal, quarterback Spencer Rattler, signed in December after leaving Oklahoma following the 2021 season and went by means of spring follow in Columbia.

Extra South Carolina soccer protection:

As consideration turns to 2022, can South Carolina capitalize on what Beamer is constructing and switch the momentum into wins?

Listed here are the Gamecocks’ opponents in 2022, ranked so as from best to hardest.

12. South Carolina State (dwelling)

USC has had an FCS sport on its schedule of late and this one encompasses a go to from South Carolina State. The Gamecocks host the Bulldogs on Oct. 1 earlier than six straight SEC video games. South Carolina must be favored by greater than 4 touchdowns.

11. Charlotte (dwelling)

This season would be the 49ers’ ultimate season in Convention USA earlier than becoming a member of the American Athletic Convention. Head coach Will Healy has generated some buzz round Charlotte soccer the final couple of seasons, however a few of its higher gamers transferred and with out them, it’ll be powerful to upset South Carolina.

10. Vanderbilt (away)

Little question the Commodores gave the Gamecocks one in every of their largest scares in Beamer’s first season on homecoming. USC wanted a last-minute landing drive to win, 21-20. South Carolina has a a lot deeper roster this season and that’ll present a wider hole between the 2 groups.

9. Georgia State (dwelling)

The Gamecocks’ season opener could be somewhat trickier than anticipated. The Panthers, coached by former USC interim head coach Shawn Elliott, are coming off an eight-win season, together with a formidable bowl win. There are many story strains heading into the opening sport.

8. Missouri (dwelling)

The Tigers beat South Carolina at dwelling final season however they’ve been hit laborious by attrition, headlined by the departure of working again Tyler Badie. Beamer in improved his roster and, with Mizzou coming to USC, homefield benefit might issue into this sport.

7. Florida (away)

Billy Napier ought to get the Gators again to prominence within the SEC East. Nevertheless it gained’t occur in 2022. South Carolina beat Florida final season with a much less proficient staff. The Gamecocks seem primed to make it two in a row within the collection.

6. Kentucky (away)

It appears like South Carolina and Kentucky are mirror photographs of one another. Kentucky edged USC final season and, with most of their key playmakers again, the Wildcats can be a troublesome sport on the street for the Gamecocks.

5. Tennessee (dwelling)

South Carolina’s ultimate SEC sport of the season, and coming earlier than the annual rivalry showdown with Clemson, the sport with Tennessee might maintain loads of ramifications. The Volunteers put it on USC in Knoxville in 2021 and don’t look like slowing down any time quickly.

4. Arkansas (away)

Talking of packages on the rise, Arkansas turned loads of heads in 2021, ending the season ranked twenty first after wins over Texas A&M, Texas, LSU and an in depth defeat at Alabama. Fayetteville can be South Carolina’s street check in 2022 in week two and it could possibly be a tone setter for each groups.

3. Texas A&M (dwelling)

Since A&M joined the SEC and was established because the everlasting cross-division opponent, South Carolina has not overwhelmed the Aggies in seven straight seasons. Jimbo Fisher could have one other deep staff and can be a troublesome check for USC.

2. Clemson (away)

One of many largest questions round faculty soccer is whether or not Clemson’s struggles in 2021 are a fluke or an indication of a change. The Tigers can be good on protection once more however it’s undetermined who Dabo Swinney will begin at quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei or freshman Cade Klubnik.

Extra on Clemson’s QBs:  Clemson quarterbacks D.J. Uiagalelei, Cade Klubnik each in preseason Heisman Trophy hype

1. Georgia (dwelling)

The Bulldogs are the reigning nationwide champions and can play on the that caliber once more in 2022. Kirby Sensible misplaced some key items on the defensive aspect of the ball however the roster stays stacked with prime expertise.

Cory Diaz covers the South Carolina Gamecocks for The Greenville Information as a part of the USA TODAY Community. Comply with his work for all issues Gamecocks on Twitter: @CoryDiaz_TGN. Received questions relating to South Carolina athletics? Ship them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.