Kent State at South Carolina

The decisive matchup is up front. South Carolina imported eight offensive linemen to fix a unit that has restricted the offense for several seasons, but accumulated experience does not guarantee immediate cohesion. Kent State edge Thomas Aden, back after recording two sacks and four tackles for loss, can test that communication before the newcomers settle. On the other side, the Golden Flashes’ protection must locate Dylan Stewart on every passing down. Stewart’s 2025 disruption went well beyond sacks, and his ability to force hurried decisions could prevent DeShields—or whichever Kent State quarterback plays—from finding a rhythm.

South Carolina can control the game by keeping its rebuilt line out of obvious passing situations, defining a workable running-back rotation and creating clean opportunities for Sellers and Nyck Harbor, the returning receiver who caught 30 passes for 618 yards and six scores in 2025. That would let Briles reveal his new offense on his terms rather than asking a new front to survive repeated pressure situations. Kent State’s route is to shorten possessions, protect the ball and make South Carolina prove its many transfers already function as a unit. Offensively, that means giving its quarterback manageable downs; defensively, Joel Cordoba and Aden must tackle cleanly and generate enough disruption to keep the Gamecocks from dictating tempo.