South Carolina football: Biggest questions after Clemson, Tennessee stunners

South Carolina football has beaten all the odds in the final two weeks of the season. The Gamecocks upset then-No. 5 Tennessee and No. 8 Clemson as multiple-touchdown underdogs. They ruined the College Football Playoff hopes of both the Tigers (10-2) and the Vols ( 10- 2).

Several South Carolina upperclassmen are likely to declare for the NFL Draft and won't play in the bowl game. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is a question mark. He played well against Tennessee and Clemson. He could be an early round pick. Zacch Pickens and Josh Vann walked on senior day. Venn is injured and probably won’t play.

The Citrus Bowl is the clear frontrunner for South Carolina. The team will be picked after the College Football Playoff and New Year's Six bowls are filled. Georgia is likely to be the only SEC team in the playoff. Tennessee, LSU and Alabama are ranked above South Carolinians.

The upsets at Clemson and Tennessee have boosted the interest in South Carolina football. Coach Shane Beamer is known for his recruiting acumen. He served as Steve Spurrier's recruiting coordinator from 2007-10. South Carolinians have several targets for 2023, including five-star defensive lineman Nyckoles Harbor.