Count Paul Finebaum among those who are high on South Carolina heading into the 2024 college football season.
The longtime radio personality and SEC Network host was in Dallas this week for SEC Media Days and shared his thoughts with The State on South Carolina and fourth-year head coach Shane Beamer.
Never one to shy away from expressing his opinion, Finebaum has ripped into Beamer in the past — notably last season after Beamer admitted to kicking a Gatorade cooler and breaking his foot following a loss to Florida.
But Finebaum admitted he’s “bullish” on the Gamecocks in what is an inflection-point season following a 5-7 campaign a year ago.
The State: What do you make of South Carolina and Shane Beamer?
Paul Finebaum: I think it’s at a really interesting point. Somebody asked me one day, ‘Do you think he’s gonna be in trouble?’ And I said, ‘No.’ I think he’s got support. I think he’s done enough that fans really embrace him. But I wouldn’t throw this season away on that capital. Because if he does, then I think the questions next year will be fairly difficult.
TS: It seems that some people nationally think he’s on the hot seat.
PF: I think anyone who says Shane Beamer is on the hot seat clearly has no understanding of South Carolina football. I’m mean, that is just a — and, by the way, I’m in that business — but it’s an absurd hot take that doesn’t correlate to reality. He’s done enough that fans like him and respect him. In eight days he won over the entire nation with those two wins (over Tennessee and Clemson in 2022) . That’s reality. But, yeah, you can’t put two bad seasons together. It’s going to cost you.
TS: In an SEC that now includes Texas and Oklahoma, is there any way for South Carolina to stand out and continue to compete in the league?
PF: Yeah! You have a phenomenal fan base. You have great facilities. You have a good administration. And that’s important. But it’s a busy highway and South Carolina has got to move up. You can’t be successful in the back. You’ve got to get to the middle to make a run. Because right now, it’s about: Are you a contender for the playoffs? And South Carolina’s not in that conversation right now. But there’s not that much difference between seven or eight wins and then you turn a game or two and, suddenly, if you win this game you’ve got a shot. That’s where Carolina has to go.
TS: I saw you interviewed Rocket Sanders earlier this summer . What could he and LaNorris Sellers bring to South Carolina’s offense?
PF: I think they’re dynamic and that’s important. South Carolina has phenomenal players. I ran into (linebacker) Debo Williams (on Monday) and was like, ‘What’s the deal with South Carolina and the name De(e)bo?’ But it’s really an important moment because I think Shane Beamer — when he’s doing well, his act is cool. But it’s not a good act when you’re losing. I think he has to start turning it around pretty quickly. I just did not like what I saw last year.
TS: As always, South Carolina has a tough schedule. What do you think is the best and worst case, record-wise, for the Gamecocks next season?
PF: I expect a bounce-back season. I think seven wins is doable. I don’t think eight is outrageous, but what does that mean? That means you’ve gotta win a game or two you’re not supposed to. I think this program is capable of that. I’m bullish on this season. I think seven would be considered, ‘OK, we’re headed in the right direction.’ If they don’t get to seven then I will be eating my words by the end of the year.
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