For the first time since 2013, USC has its QB coming back

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Gamecock fans can feel comfortable with its 2017 odds.

Quarterback Jake Bentley is one of 10 players returning to an offense that averaged 26.6 points per game with Bentley taking snaps, and those numbers will only continue to rise as the sophomore quarterback develops with his skill players.

After a 16-22 record the last three seasons under Steve Spurrier, interim head coach Shawn Elliott and Will Muschamp (6-7 in 2016), the Gamecocks have consistency on offense. This season marks the first time since 2013 (Connor Shaw) the Gamecocks will return their starting quarterback from the year before.

“The offense starts with the quarterback position, and I feel good about Jake,” Muschamp said at SEC Media Days this summer.

Carolina’s offense returns 84 percent of its touchdowns scored in 2016, and the Gamecocks are the only team in the country to have freshmen lead in passing (Bentley) and rushing (Dowdle).

With most of the roster in tact, and fresh faces on the way, USC will have tremendous depth, creating intense competition.

“The thing I like about these guys is there’s a lot of knowns coming back,” said Muschamp. “There’s a lot of competition, and competition usually breeds consistency in performance.”

The Gamecocks kick off the 2017 season with NC State in Charlotte on Sept. 2.