It’s clear to anyone that has watched a down of football that the key to having a strong offense is a good running game. That’s the case even in seemingly pass-happy conferences like the Big 12 and Pac-12- those teams that can line up and run the ball typically are more successful.



That’s because a good run game forces the defense to adjust and then that opens up the passing game, especially down field. That’s been the case since the forward pass was introduced to the sport decades ago, regardless of offensive scheme trends.



In 2017, there is hope that South Carolina will be much-improved in this regard.



IT STARTS UP FRONT



The Gamecocks looked confused and overwhelmed at times on the offensive line last season, especially against teams that had good to great talent on the defensive front (Clemson, Florida). This season, South Carolina has a new coach and a new approach as Eric Wolford, who was with the Gamecocks in 2009, has meshed his approach to that of co-offensive coordinator Kurt Roper. South Carolina will put a “hat on a hat” more often and that should help this unit, that doesn’t possess great athleticism across the board, be more consistent in their performance. While it’s hard to expect miracles here, chances are there will be improvement.



PLENTY OF BACKS



South Carolina didn’t have the depth at running back last season, when the Gamecocks averaged only 3.7 yards per carry, that it does this season. Rico Dowdle is back and is a sophomore with seven games under his belt. He is being pushed by breakaway threat Ty'Son Williams, who transferred in from North Carolina last season and sat out. Williams has pushed Dowdle this offseason and both will battle it out in terms of carries. A.J. Turner, who was the starting running back at the start of the season, also returns. Caleb Kinlaw, who started his career at Wisconsin, also joined the program as a walk-on from junior college this offseason. The word around the program is that this position, which has flipped entirely in just more than one calendar year, now looks like a legitimate stable of Power 5 running backs. Williams is perhaps the X-Factor for the entire offense. He has one-cut and take-it-to-the-house ability and everyone around the program is excited about what he can do with the ball in his hands. You take Dowdle and Williams, throw in Turner and perhaps one more at times, and suddenly you have the ability to rotate backs, keep their legs fresh (always a key) and have a chance at an excellent running game.



VERSATILITY



South Carolina’s offense has a couple of options in terms of versatile ball-carriers in addition to the running backs. Turner could very well be one of those as the speedy scat-back has breakaway ability and is the type of player that can attack the perimeter. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel had a team-high in rushing touchdowns last season and one of the Gamecocks’ best plays throughout 2016 was the jet sweep hand-off to him. Even a player like incoming defensive back Jamyest Williams or wide receiver Shi Smith could help in this department at times and quarterback Jake Bentley showed last season that he’s not a statue in the pocket and can gain yards with his legs when needed. In the run game, the more versatile you are and the more options you have, the better.



OUTLOOK



It’s critical that South Carolina be potent and dramatically-improved on offense this coming season. Last year, given the youth and inexperience on that side of the ball, the scheme was limited, the ability to check into the right play was limited and it took half of the season for the playmakers on this side to firmly establish themselves. Football is a developmental sport and there are multiple skill players who are likely to take a big leap this season and that in and of itself means more plays in the running game. The question is the offensive line. The tweak in approach is something that will definitely help. The rest is up to the individual players and Wolford to make enough gains to keep them competitive. They don’t have to be great and likely will not be great, but if they can make a jump from last season, the Gamecocks should be one of the most improved offensive units in the country in 2017.