It's surprising how quickly things can go from hopeful to doubtful, at least that is often the case in college football. Shane Beamer's tenure as the head coach of South Carolina has been strained, but most wouldn't call Beamer's time in Columbia "disappointing," until recently.

A 7-6 debut season that ended in a Duke's Mayo bath was followed by a respectable 2022 campaign. Last year, the Gamecocks notched wins over a ranked Tennessee and Top 10 rival Clemson. Make no mistake, South Carolina isn't a blue blood. Those wins last season made Shane Beamer the only coach in the history of Gamecocks Football to win back-to-back games against Top 10 teams.

And while things seemed to look good for a little while, the 2023 college football season has been a nightmare for the South Carolina Gamecocks and their head coach Shane Beamer. After starting the season with high hopes and a top-25 ranking, the Gamecocks have plummeted to the bottom of the SEC East division, losing eight of their first nine games.

The main reason for their dismal performance has been their offense, which has struggled to score points and move the ball consistently. The Gamecocks can't seem to find an identity. The offensive line has been porous, allowing more sacks and pressures than should ever be seen in the SEC. The running game has been nonexistent, and the receivers have almost looked scared of the ball at times.

The defense has not been much better, giving up big plays and failing to create turnovers. The Gamecocks rank among the worst in the nation when it comes to points allowed. SC's secondary has been torched by opposing quarterbacks. The Gamecocks passing defense ranks 130th out of 133. The numbers don't lie.

Coach Beamer has faced intense criticism and pressure from the fans and the media, who have questioned his ability to lead the program. Some have called for his firing, while others have suggested that he should resign. Beamer has tried to remain positive and optimistic, but his enthusiasm has not translated into results on the field. He has also made some questionable decisions, including breaking his foot during a temper tantrum.

The Gamecocks have only five games left this season, and they need to win at least four of those to become bowl eligible. However, their chances are slim, as they face tough opponents in Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Clemson. Unless they can pull off some miraculous upsets, the Gamecocks will end their season with a losing record, a lot of disappointment, and calls for a new coach.