South Carolina Football: 10 Goals for the Gamecocks in 2012

After winning a school-record 11 games last season, the South Carolina football team has set themselves a high bar and created a tough act to follow.

Within the past couple of seasons, the program has turned a corner and is no longer looked down upon. Instead, it is now considered elite and is always in contention for the SEC title.

Led by Steve Spurrier, the Gamecocks are a young, solid team and can only go up from here. In order to follow up on last season's magnificent performance, there are goals the team must set for itself and meet.

Here are 10 of those goals that the South Carolina Gamecocks will need to conquer in order to truly establish themselves as a top-dog program.

Win at Least Nine Games

The Gamecocks have a tough schedule planned this year, but they are up to handle any challenge.

After 11 wins last season, anything less would be disappointing. However, being in arguably the toughest conference in college football, that feat is a difficult task.

While it would be an ideal situation and would almost guarantee a spot in the SEC championship, nine games is a more realistic goal and the team of Garnet and Black is certainly capable of achieving this.

Win the SEC East

The Gamecocks must put themselves in contention for their division title.

They won it two years ago and barely missed out last year. They have a tough schedule ahead, but anything is possible.

Georgia has an easier schedule, Florida is looking stronger than the past and new addition Missouri looks to establish itself in their new conference.

If South Carolina can step up and win some big games, then they will be playing for the chance to hoist the SEC championship trophy above their heads.

Win the SEC

The SEC is arguably the toughest conference to play in, making winning it even more prestigious.

It will not be an easy feat for the Gamecocks to achieve, but it is definitely possible. With the leadership of Coach Spurrier and their young talent, South Carolina will be in the hunt.

One day, the Gamecocks will win the SEC. For now, they will continue to fight hard year in and year out and always finish near the top and be a major factor right in the thick of things.

Win Every Home Game

Williams-Brice Stadium has one of the most electrifying atmospheres in all of college football.

When the people are loud, the team responds and plays well. They can use the screaming fans to their advantage and interrupt the opposing team's rhythm.

One way to ensure a great season is to win every game at home. When the team does well, especially at home, the fans respond in a more positive way and create more hype and energy surrounding the future games.

The Gamecocks play two of their toughest games this season at home against Georgia and Arkansas. With the support of the 12th man behind them, South Carolina has an increased chance of winning these games and ensuring themselves a better season.

Welcome Back Marcus Lattimore

After missing the 2011 season with a torn ACL, superstar running back Marcus Lattimore returns to the backfield.

Along with the junior, Kenny Miles and Brandon Wilds gained great experience in his absence and starting quarterback Connor Shaw showed off his lethal running attack. New recruits Shon Carson and Mike Davis are said be to super explosive and will certainly see some time in the mix.

With this quick, speedy and talented combination, the South Carolina rushing attack will certainly be ranked near the top in the country and will help carry the team to a great season.

Shaw Grows Up

The passing attack of Carolina experienced a little turmoil last season, with the off-the-field problems of former quarterback Stephen Garcia.

The torch was passed to young Connor Shaw and he took full advantage of the spotlight. He is a great dual-threat with a strong arm and lightning speed.

Playing an entire season as the starter will certainly boost Shaw's confidence, which should lead to an increase in numbers. If one or two reliable receivers emerge, the Gamecock passing game can easily climb the rankings.

This new attack, paired with the reliable and speedy ground game, could be deadly and lead to many high-scoring shootouts in the Gamecocks' favor.

Replacing Losses on Defense

Despite losing the likes of Melvin Ingram and Stephon Gilmore, the South Carolina Gamecocks are still loaded on the defensive side of the ball.

With Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor, Victor Hampton and Kelcy Quarles returning, the defense is young but has a great deal of potential. As the season goes on and the unit gains more experience, the production will begin to increase and the cohesiveness will grow stronger.

The Carolina defense will become even better and, worst-case scenario, they have a rebuilding but still strong season and come back even tougher next year.

Improving Special Teams

The lowest rated aspect of the South Carolina football team is its special teams.

They have slowly but surely improved, but they are still less than special. They are lacking that special spark they need to ignite and explode.

New coach Joe Robinson is a great hire for the special teams. He helped create the lethal LSU special team attack and will look to bring his successful scheme to Columbia.

Special teams is the x-factor unit on the football field. One key play and an entire game can change. If the Gamecocks can make a substantial jump in their production in this category, they will be even harder to beat and even more competitive with the even more elite teams.

Win a Bowl Game

Up until last year, South Carolina has not had the best of luck in bowl games.

The team's victory in the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska was the most impressive and biggest bowl win in the school's history. It helped secure the team in garnet and black on the map and prove that they truly are a force to contend with.

If they can build off of their postseason success from last year, the Gamecocks will certainly be making a step in the right direction that is necessary for them to establish themselves as a top-notch program.

Beat Clemson

The Gamecocks have had their in-state rival's number for the last three years. A fourth loss in a row would be the end of the Clemson domination era.

The team from Columbia has clearly established themselves as the stronger program in recent years. While some Clemson fans are saying this is a bump in the road, the rivalry is beginning to turn in the Gamecocks' favor.

Even though the history is in Clemson's favor, 65-40, South Carolina is showing there is a new alpha-male team in the Palmetto State. If the Gamecocks continue on this winning streak, their morale will continue to rise and the strength of their program will be established and recognized.