SEC PREVIEW SOUTH CAROLINA

Fired-up Muschamp wants to win now

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2015 file photo, New South Carolina head football coach Will Muschamp speaks with the media at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. The Southeastern Conference Eastern Divisions new look added more intrigue than usual to spring practice. Three of the divisions seven teams - Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina - are breaking in new head coaches. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

HOOVER, Ala. -- A 23-20 overtime loss to South Carolina at the Swamp two years ago proved to be the last straw for Will Muschamp as Florida's coach.

Muschamp was fired the next day, Nov. 16, 2014, though he coached the Gators' final two regular-season games to finish with a 28-21 record over four years.

South Carolina blocked a punt with 39 seconds left in regulation to set up a game-tying touchdown against Muschamp's Gators to drop them to 5-4 coming off a 4-8 season.

The Gators split Muschamp's final two games before beating East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl. Muschamp did not coach in the bowl game.

"Over a four-year period, we played well on special teams," Muschamp said. "It is somewhat ironic, a blocked punt, and where I've ended up.

"You never know how things happen in life."

Muschamp spent last season as Auburn's defensive coordinator, but he ended up back at SEC media days this year as South Carolina's new coach.

The Gators have represented the East 11 times in the SEC Championship Game since 1992 compared to one appearance by the Gamecocks, but Muschamp said he doesn't believe it's more difficult to win at South Carolina than Florida.

Muschamp credited Steve Spurrier -- who resigned as South Carolina's coach last year midway through his 11th season -- with showing the Gamecocks can win big in the SEC.

South Carolina had three consecutive 11-2 records from 2011 through 2013, won the East title in 2010 and played in nine bowl games during Spurrier's tenure.

"Coach Spurrier and his staff have brought this program to relevance nationally," Muschamp said. 'We plan on building on that."

It figures to be more of a rebuilding job this season.

Spurrier -- who led Florida to five SEC championships -- had an 86-49 record at South Carolina, but the Gamecocks were 3-9 last season, and were 2-4 when Spurrier walked away in mid-October.

South Carolina went 1-5 in its remaining games and finished 1-7 in SEC play.

"It's tough going 3-9, especially after going 11-2," South Carolina senior offensive tackle Mason Zandi said. "It's tough to lose that many games and let so many people down, because our fans are the best in the country.

"They come out rain or sunshine, win or lose, and they pack the stadium."

Muschamp's decision to retain Shawn Elliott as offensive line coach has eased the transition for the Gamecocks. Elliott, in his seventh season at South Carolina, was the team's interim coach last season after Spurrier resigned.

"To have somebody on staff that knows the guys helps smooth things over," Zandi said.

Muschamp said it was an easy call to bring Elliott back.

"As a coach, your tape is your resume, and I thought he had really good tape," Muschamp said of how the offensive line looked. "Those guys played hard and physical on tape."

Muschamp said he didn't know Elliott before taking the South Carolina job and wanted to see how he and offensive coordinator Kurt Roper worked together before making a final staff decision.

"I thought that was the most important marriage, to make sure the-play caller and offensive line coach are on the same page," Muschamp said. "They hit it off."

Muschamp said it isn't awkward having the man on staff who was the team's coach prior to his arrival.

"I have no ego," Muschamp said. "I want to do what's best for South Carolina, and the best thing for South Carolina is having Shawn Elliott on our staff."

Struggles on offense are what primarily cost Muschamp his job at Florida.

The Gators finished 71st, 78th, 113th and 56th nationally in scoring offense during his four seasons, averaging a combined 25 points per game.

"Really, it comes back to the offense," Muschamp said. "That's where we've got to make sure we're practicing the right way whether it's staff, scheme, decision-making, whatever.

"But that falls on my shoulders. So I'm taking full responsibility of that and making it better in this situation."

The Gamecocks may start a true freshman quarterback, whether it's Brandon McIlwain, a January enrollee who closed spring practicing working with the first-team offense, or Jake Bentley.

Senior Perry Orth also is in the quarterback mix after starting some games last season, but being limited in the spring as he continued to recover from a collarbone injury.

"We're going to decide who can help us win football games," Muschamp said. "If we have to play two guys, we'll play two."

Muschamp said the Gamecocks aren't that far away from winning again considering five of their losses last season were by seven or fewer points.

"Let's go find a way to make a difference in those games," Muschamp said of his message to the players. "Whether it's in the meeting room, on the practice field, or the offseason program, whatever you're doing, let's find a way to get it done."

Zandi said the Gamecocks aren't concerned that Muschamp was fired at Florida.

"I don't really look at Coach Muschamp's past," Zandi said. "Only a fool trips on what's behind him.

"We're just looking forward. He's come in here with a plan and he's stated what he wants to accomplish and we're going from there."

Muschamp said the Gamecocks lack experience at many positions, but not talent, and the goal is to win this season.

"There is no three-year plan, no five-year plan," Muschamp said. "The plan is to win now, OK? That's my mentality."

Sports on 07/23/2016