South Carolina Football: Why Gamecocks Will Win SEC in 2012

The South Carolina Gamecocks will win the SEC in 2012.

This is a team that has overcome a great number of hurdles in 2011.

The tumultuous end of the Stephen Garcia era, the loss of Marcus Lattimore to injury and tough losses to the Auburn Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks.

Steve Spurrier has a talented unit coming back next season. One of the most balanced teams in the country.

The Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs will not be pushovers, but the Gamecocks have the capability to surpass them all in 2012.

Here are five reasons South Carolina will win the SEC next season.

4. The Development of Connor Shaw

Connor Shaw has slowly but surely developed into a competent quarterback for the Gamecocks this season.

His numbers have not been great outside of a blowout win over the Kentucky Wildcats, but he has managed games well.

This rings especially true because he has done so without the support of one of the nation's best running backs in the last few games.

Shaw has only six touchdowns this season and five interceptions, but another full year of offseason development and the return of Lattimore can boost Shaw to another level.

3. The Emerging Defense

The South Carolina defense returns over half its starters next season.

That defensive unit is allowing only 19 points per game this season, 19th best in the country.

The SEC is a tough conference and having an experienced defense is an invaluable asset.

With the development of standout Jadeveon Clowney continuing, the Gamecocks will be stout against the run to be sure.

This defense will be a definite benefit rather than a detriment for South Carolina next year.

2. The Return of Marcus Lattimore

With Trent Richardson likely leaving for the NFL after this season Marcus Lattimore will undoubtedly be the best running back in the SEC next season and possibly the country.

Lattimore was a Heisman candidate before an injury this season.

His play was a main catalyst for the Gamecocks continued winning, especially with all the turmoil surrounding the departure of maligned quarterback Stephen Garcia.

Lattimore had 818 yards and 10 touchdowns in seven games this season.

South Carolina will lean heavily on him next year, and assuming he remains healthy, they will be in a great position to win the SEC.

1. The Lack of Depth in the SEC East

South Carolina plays in the weaker half of the SEC, at least for the time being.

The Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers are both down right now. This means the Gamecocks will likely be battling with the Georgia Bulldogs again next season for the division title.

Georgia is a good football team with a quarterback in Aaron Murray that is becoming a great player.

But this is a team that South Carolina is at least on an even level with.

Making it to the SEC Championship is no easy task, but the Gamecocks will have the talent next season to do just that.

Steve Spurrier will not allow this team to lose in the championship game in two out of three years.

South Carolina will win the SEC.