Arkansas football vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, score prediction from SEC opener

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football begins SEC play on Saturday (11 a.m. CT, ESPN) against South Carolina at Razorback Stadium. It's the first meeting between the two teams since 2017.

No. 17 Arkansas (1-0) and South Carolina (1-0) are coming off similarly serendipitous 2021 seasons. South Carolina became bowl eligible for the first time since 2018 at the end of last year and finished 7-6. Arkansas achieved nine wins for the first time in a decade.

Here's what you need to know — and our score prediction — for the Razorbacks' matchup with the Gamecocks.

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Quarterback Spencer Rattler

South Carolina picked up a big-name transfer this offseason in former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. The former five-star prospect has carried the weight of expectation his entire career, but last season with the Sooners, he was benched mid-season in favor of Caleb Williams thanks to too many turnovers. He hit the portal, and the Gamecocks brought him in.

In his South Carolina debut in Week 1, Rattler threw for 227 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The pair of picks and the fact that South Carolina scored most of its points via special teams in the 35-14 win over Georgia State have fans concerned about whether the redshirt junior has improved his decision-making.

Against Arkansas, Rattler and South Carolina will be looking to prove the struggles of Week 1 were a product of early season growing pains. If Arkansas' defense can put pressure on Rattler, however, the Razorbacks could make it a long day for the Gamecocks.

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Offensive line struggles

Rattler wasn't the sole reason for a lack of scoring offensive in Week 1. Although the Gamecocks returned five starters on their offensive line, the group wasn't one of the team's strengths last season. They gave up 31 sacks in 2021, and despite talent at running back, South Carolina managed over 100 rushing yards in less than half its games.

The offensive line struggled again against Georgia State's defensive front, which doesn't bode well for the Gamecocks facing a big, physical SEC defense in Arkansas. The defensive line looked solid against Cincinnati in the Razorbacks' top-25 matchup, and improving the pass rush has been a key goal for Arkansas.

On alert for 'Beamer Ball'

Coach Shane Beamer is a former special teams coordinator at Georgia, where he worked alongside Pittman when he was the Bulldogs' offensive line coach. Beamer's father, former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, was known for "Beamer Ball," and winning games with special teams plays.

That brand of football was on display in South Carolina's win over Georgia State. Two of the Gamecocks' four touchdowns in Week 1 came on blocked punts, and a third was the result of a fake field goal.

"(Special teams) is a passion of his, just like O-line is to me," Pittman said. "It's like anything: You emphasize it, you have passion for it, hopefully your team's a little bit better at it, and they certainly are. They're really good on special teams. They're a good team, but they're a good team in all three phases."

Score prediction

Arkansas 35, South Carolina 28: Despite its banged-up secondary, Arkansas' defensive front will take advantage of South Carolina's offensive line to put pressure on Rattler and force him into hurried throws. On offense, the run game will carry Arkansas to its first SEC win of 2022.

Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Times Record and USA Today Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@swtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, score prediction