The South Carolina head coach is making noise, demanding more respect — and automatic bids — for SEC teams in the 12-team Playoff. And after feeling the Gamecocks were unfairly left out, he’s been relentless in his stance. And honestly, he’s got a case. Yes, SC caught fire, closing the season with a 9-game win streak, including a statement victory over Clemson (ACC champion). So, Shane Beamer boldly claimed no team wanted to face his squad. But now, an SEC insider’s startling revelation delivers a double gut punch. And Beamer believes that this battle is just getting hotter.
We know South Carolina narrowly missed making the Playoff the previous season. Yes, they fell just short of the 12-team cut. And now, as the Gamecocks gear up for 2025, their CFP hopes are once again in question. On the February 21 episode of That SEC Football podcast, SEC Mike and Cousin Shane broke down, returning defensive production — and Mike’s alarming revelation could spell trouble for South Carolina’s postseason fate.
“I was going to highlight South Carolina in how red hot they got, and we’re all enamored because they’re bringing back [LaNorris] Sellers. We’re enamored because they’re bringing back Dylan Stewart. We did, uh, you know, best players in the SEC. I got both those guys in my top four. But I’m a little worried, Shane. I mean, offensive production — pretty good — 54%. That’s nothing to be ashamed about. But then 45% on defense — they’re losing a lot on defense,” said Mike. Safe to say, the Gamecocks are bringing back key stars. But with major losses on defense, will it be enough? That’s the big question.
Here, while acknowledging their talent, Mike raised serious concerns about what they’ve lost. “So again, I’m not saying they’re going to fall off a cliff, yeah, but I’m slightly concerned. I wish they were bringing back — they’re losing a ton of leadership, particularly on that defensive side of the football. And they were so good last year. So, I’m a little concerned about South Carolina after doing these numbers,” stated the SEC insider. To be honest, the Gamecocks were electric last season, but with so many key departures, now their CFP dreams seem to be in jeopardy.
Yes, SC’s defense took a big hit this offseason. Notably, Kyle Kennard, the Bronco Nagurski Trophy winner and one of the nation’s top defenders, is gone. On top of that, the Gamecocks also lost several other defensive starters, totaling a staggering 55% of their defensive production from last season.
But it’s not just about the players — last year’s schedule didn’t do SC any favors either. See, beating teams like Akron, Old Dominion, as well as Wofford doesn’t make a statement. However, it doesn’t prove they’re ready to contend either. Even losses to the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ole Miss Rebels showed the gap between the Gamecocks and the true SEC powerhouses. As of now, if Beamer wants to be taken seriously, they need wins that matter — wins that strike fear into opponents, not just ones that boost their record. So, this season is their chance to prove they belong among the best.
However, let’s not forget what Beamer’s squad accomplished. Yes, wins over Vandy, Clemson, and Kentucky weren’t just flashy — they were proof of real progress. And with a similar schedule ahead, including matchups against Tigers and Vandy, the opportunity to rise is there. As Cousin Shane pointed out in the podcast, “I feel like South Carolina can move up this list; they’ve got a Heisman quarterback, and they’ve got one of the best defenses in the country.”
Although that’s a bold statement, but not far from the truth. With Heisman-worthy talent like LaNorris Sellers and a defense that ranked 3rd in the SEC last season, the Gamecocks have the pieces to make noise once again. Beamer’s demand for an automatic conference CFP berth was even supported by a CBS analyst.
Analysts’ forecasts for Shane Beamer’s CFP bid
Even though Shane Beamer’s CFP bid drew a lot of criticism, CBS Sports’ Tom Forlenni is certain that the concept is worthwhile and that something positive may ultimately result from it.
And Fornelli lays it out plain and simple, stating, “Every single team enters the year knowing exactly what they need to accomplish to get into the field.” As of now, it takes the power out of the hands of administrators juggling too many responsibilities. Consequently, instead of a committee deciding which 8-4 team is best, the teams control their own fate. Simply win the right games, and you’re in. And that’s how a true Playoff should work.
And you know, after South Carolina’s strong finish, Shane Beamer made his stance clear, saying, “I do believe we deserve a spot in the 12-team playoff… It’s hard for me to sit here and say that we’re not one of the 12 best teams in the country when you look at our strength of schedule.” And when it comes to CFP expansion, Beamer is all for it. “It’s good to see that everybody came back around to what was, I think, somewhat agreed upon last year as well,” stated the head coach.
As of now, the SEC stands to gain big if this change happens — just like Beamer originally suggested. However, “The other positive side effect is how it will impact regular-season scheduling,” Fornelli explains.
Well, with auto-bids in place, teams won’t have to impress a selection committee as much. That means the SEC could finally expand to a 9-game conference schedule, just like the B1G and Big 12. To be honest, since the Big 10 has been claiming the National Title for the last 2 seasons, Shane Beamer’s team needs to win more games if they are serious about controlling the postseason negotiations.
The post Double Blow for Shane Beamer Announced in SEC Insider’s Alarming Revelation as South Carolina’s CFP Fate Hangs in Balance appeared first on EssentiallySports.
