Ate Em Up Winner(s) vs Charlotte

In 2020 the Offensive Line opened holes for the leading rusher in the SEC. Since then they've received most of the blame for the Gamecocks' Offense not producing at the level fans expected. After all, many of these same guys were blocking for Kevin Harris in 2020.

Whether the issues are their own, a TE/WR/RB actually missing their blocks, a back that hit the wrong hole or made the wrong cut, or a QB that held onto the ball too long. The blame solely falls at the feet of the Offensive Line when things go wrong (baring an incompletion, fumble, or interception).

It's a thankless job.

When someone gets pressure or stops a run, it's the Offensive Lines fault.

But, when a pass goes for a TD or a back busts off a huge gain, the praise goes to those individuals.

This isn't a rah-rah post or some kind of let's just make them feel better article (is this an article? Can I call this an article? I'm calling it an article). This is an acknowledge what we're seeing on the field of play ARTICLE.

This line took a lot of heat early last season, but midway through the season as they fixed those issues and we weren't having linebackers coming completely untouched through the line, people just stopped talking about them. No credit given, just didn't dog them anymore.

Against Georgia State, all people said was how bad the line is again. Then the start of the Arkansas game looked like it was continuing.

But, what I haven't heard a single word bout is how the 2nd half of the Arkansas game, the line seemed to take a step forward. The pockets for Spencer seemed to be there a little longer and the holes were opened just a little more.

Georgia was another game that people will only look at the score, and we had to throw a lot of our game plan out of the window early on, but the line blocked, pretty daggum well.

Saturday against Charlotte, if we needed yards, we got them.

Marshawn Lloyd had one of the best games any back has had at South Carolina. He literally had a highlight reel game.

Christian Beal-Smith busted off big runs, and scored his first and second Touchdowns as a Gamecock.

South Carolina combined for 295 yards rushing for the first time since ... actually, I don't know because I'm not one of those stat guys, but I'm sure it's been a very long time. Go follow Gamecock Russ (@RustyB25) on Twitter. I'm sure he has those numbers.

"Gamecock Eats, get to the point!"

Fine!

The winnerS of the ATE EM UP award against Charlotte goes to the entire Offensive Line, who ATE UP the Charlotte Defensive front all night long.

I'm really hoping this is a sign of good things to come for this group, and this team going forward. It all starts in the trenches!