Heading into Week Six and fresh off a bye, the Gamecocks look to push past mental mistakes moving into Ole Miss week. In a game like the one against LSU, it can be used as a learning opportunity for South Carolina moving forward.

Junior defensive back DQ Smith recorded five total tackles against the Tigers, four of which were solo. The defense will need to be mentally on their A-game to compete with Jaxson Dart and the Ole Miss pass game.

“It was definitely tough knowing it came down to the wire,” Smith said. “But just cleaning up mistakes, seven window mistakes, things we did that we can fix. So just building on that and continuing to trust what the coaches give us each week.”

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Fifth-year defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway had just one tackle in the game versus LSU. As a veteran, preparing himself and the team mentally before an SEC game is crucial.

Being mentally prepared can help Hemingway and the Gamecocks prepare for the unexpected like injury.

“Just communication, we all have to be on the same page even if things do get a little rambles out there on us. Being on the same page makes everything correct,” Hemingway said.

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However, one major advantage for South Carolina was a bye week in Week Five to be able to reset. South Carolina will be able to separate the past and move forward into a new opponent.

Senior running back Juju McDowell recorded just 6.3 yards rushing against LSU. However, after battling injury last year, taking care of his body and mind in the bye week will help prepare him for Ole Miss.

“Just maintenance on my body, getting ahead in the film room, trying to stay ahead,” McDowell. “As well as bringing along some of the younger guys just making sure we are all on the same accord.”

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