Locked On Gamecocks - Daily Podcast On South Carolina Gamecocks Football & Basketball Locked On Podcast Network

Paul Mainieri was officially introduced as the new head coach of South Carolina's baseball program on Thursday afternoon, bringing a palpable sense of excitement and optimism with him. When talking about what his on-field expectations would be for his team, there was one prevailing trend that stood out amongst the rest.

Shane Beamer and South Carolina's football team are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season and get back to the postseason in 2024. If the Gamecocks are going to accomplish that goal, there are three things that MUST happen revolving around LaNorris Sellers' adjustment to being the starting quarterback, and defense's lack of big plays, and the big question mark at placekicker in the aftermath of Mitch Jeter leaving the program.

Shane Beamer and South Carolina's football team will be hosting the LSU Tigers in Williams-Brice Stadium for the first time since 2008 this upcoming SEC football season. While many expect the Tigers to come out on top, factors such as the kickoff time, pressure on Brian Kelly in 2024, and Garrett Nussmeier's lack of playing experience in true road environments could swing the game in the Gamecocks' favor.

Reports surfaced on late Monday afternoon that South Carolina's baseball program was targeting former LSU Tigers head coach Paul Mainieri to be their next head coach. In spite of an impeccable résumé, some fans were put off by Mainieri's age, as he would be 67 years old come the start of next season, but his age shouldn't deter people from what he could do for the program.

There have been some 'rumblings' of sorts in the past 36 hours that the current interim head for South Carolina's baseball program, Monte Lee, is being strongly considered to be the program's next head coach. While nothing has officially been reported regarding his positioning, a hypothetical scenario of Lee getting the full-time gig would be a bad look for the Gamecocks, not because of Monte's character or baseball acumen, but because of undeniable facts from his last stop at Clemson and his association with the University of South Carolina.

The last time South Carolina's baseball program was looking for a new head coach, timing was something that wasn't on their side in their now well-documented pursuit of Florida Gators coach Kevin O'Sullivan. However, considering the candidates athletic director Ray Tanner could be pursuing this time around, he has a potential and rare chance to get out in front of things from the outset.