South Carolina football coordinator Marcus Satterfield breaks down biggest questions

COLUMBIA — Amid a four-game winning streak, No. 25 South Carolina football has struggled with inconsistency on offense.

The Gamecocks' (5-2, 2-2 SEC) victory against Texas A&M (3-4, 1-3) began with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, then an interception and a fumble recovery by the defense gave them back the ball twice. After taking a 17-0 lead, South Carolina was unable to score on a full-length drive until midway through the third quarter.

From the usage of key weapons to quarterback Spencer Rattler's progress, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield broke down the biggest questions for the offense entering this week's homecoming game against Missouri on Saturday (4 p.m., SEC Network).

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Getting the run game going

South Carolina failed to get its running backs involved in the first half against Texas A&M, recording just 18 rushing yards on 10 carries, and star RB Marshawn Lloyd had 11 of those. Run plays were few and far between: Satterfield even called three consecutive passing plays on the Gamecocks' first drive that started on the A&M 5-yard line after an interception. That drive ended in a field goal.

Postgame, coach Shane Beamer said he told Satterfield at halftime to "just get the ball to our best players and let them go make plays." Lloyd then finished the game with 92 yards and two touchdowns.

Satterfield said there was no change in the play-calling between halves. He attributed the jump in production to the team's renewed energy after Texas A&M closed the Gamecocks' early lead to 17-11 entering halftime.

"It's crazy because it was literally the same exact plays we ran in the first half," Satterfield said. "You go out there and everything's not running smooth ... at halftime, you're able to calm down and develop a plan. They were more relaxed and played with better tempo in the second half."

Getting Jaheim Bell involved

Tight end Jaheim Bell averaged approximately 38 receiving yards per game in 2021. This year he's hovering around 22 yards per game and has recorded less than 20 receiving yards in four games. His total rushing yards (64) are up from last season, but his yards per attempt are down from 5.7 yards per carry to 3.3.

Satterfield described Bell as "one of the most talented players that I've ever been around," and said his low involvement has been largely the result of opposing defenses focusing on him.

"If I could find a way to get him the ball 1,000 times I would, but unless you just hand the ball off, sometimes people can take that away, and you have to have timing and spacing and all that," Satterfield said. "I hope he gets the ball 20 times (this week). That means we're doing pretty good."

Satterfield said it also benefits Bell to show so much off-ball work and blocking on film. That forces opponents to prepare for Bell in different scenarios and will ultimately increase his on-ball opportunities.

"What he's doing without the ball is really good and it's going to be putting him in situations where he can get the ball," Satterfield said. "The last couple weeks he's put on tape that he's willing to go in there and do other things. The more you can just be everywhere all over the field ... more touches will come his way."

Spencer Rattler's development

Satterfield has had nothing but praise for starting quarterback Spencer Rattler despite lower production over the past two games against Kentucky and Texas A&M. He has thrown just five passing touchdowns over seven games and didn't record any against Texas A&M.

Rattler also had his worst completion percentage of the season versus the Aggies, going 12-25 for 168 yards.

"I'm very happy with how he's progressing ... and he's got a lot more growth, which is a good thing," Satterfield said. "From Week 1 to where he is now, the plays and understanding the plays ... is helping them play faster. Today was one of his best days (of practice) since he's been here."

Creating explosive plays remains a strength for Rattler, who has thrown at least one pass over 35 yards in every game except last week's — his longest was a 26-yard connection with Antwane Wells. Satterfield said the downfield passing game is still something the offense is emphasizing.

"It's improving, and he had a good week at practice throwing those same throws. He threw the same throws every single day at practice last week," Satterfield said. "To get those designed and get those repped every day helps out both the receiver and the quarterback. It's progressing in a manner we're satisfied with."

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina football: OC Marcus Satterfield addresses concerns