Former Gamecock believes South Carolina coaches are overworking players
South Carolina’s season has taken a tough turn, as the Gamecocks’ home loss to Appalachian State on Saturday marked their third defeat in four weeks. In addition to that loss, they also fell to Tennessee on Oct. 26, both of which seemed like winnable games.
On Sunday, one former South Carolina player provided what he believes to be a reason for the Gamecocks’ continued struggles.
Former South Carolina offensive lineman Mason Zandi stated in a series of tweets that he thinks injuries have constantly been an issue during the Will Muschamp era, and he thinks that can be attributed to the coaching staff overworking the players. That includes a quick turnaround for morning practices the days after playing late night games, per Zandi.
Here are some of the comments Zandi made on Twitter:
I feel for these boys, they are playing as hard as they can. It’s just not enough and that’s a tough pill to swallow. Injuries have been the achilles heel of this team and looking back it has been the same for a lot of Champ’s teams.
— Mason Zandi (@MasonZandi) November 10, 2019
I don’t think it’s conditioning. I think it’s from over working the athletes.
— Mason Zandi (@MasonZandi) November 10, 2019
I would agree. Play a game till 11 pm Saturday. Pads on the next morning by 10 am.
— Mason Zandi (@MasonZandi) November 10, 2019
Well unfortunately injuries so make a difference. But I agree we should have played better.
— Mason Zandi (@MasonZandi) November 10, 2019
After going 3-4 in its first seven SEC games, South Carolina has one more opportunity to pick up a conference victory this season. The Gamecocks travel to play Texas A&M on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
South Carolina then has a bye before wrapping up its regular season with a home matchup against Clemson on Nov. 30.