The Feed Pail: Gamecocks grab another coveted quarterback

South Carolina inks four-star quarterback Tanner Bailey

USC’s recruiting turnaround picked up even more momentum when the Gamecocks signed four-star prospect Tanner Bailey out of Alabama over the weekend.

Bailey, who was at one time an Oregon commit, was 131-of-217 passing for 2,401 yards and 33 touchdowns this past season, and is ranked as the 14th-best quarterback nationally. His addition to South Carolina’s class transforms the Gamecocks’ quarterbacks room, where he joins high-profile Oklahoma transfer Spencer Rattler, fellow four-star recruit Braden Davis, and remaining program vet Luke Doty (himself a four-star when he came out of Myrtle Beach High School). The SEC Network’s SEC Now crew named coach Shane Beamer’s effort as their Comeback Class of the Year, and things are indeed looking more exciting in Columbia than many expected.

Gamecock men fall 70-56 to Clemson in COVID-hampered game

On a downer note, the men’s basketball program is dealing with COVID once again, and for reasons unknown, chose not to reschedule or cancel the annual rivalry contest with Clemson in light of that. The Gamecocks (8-3) were missing four players due to the virus, and two more because of injuries. Guard Chico Carter Jr. was the lone bright spot for South Carolina, turning in a 21-point performance from the bench, but the game otherwise unfolded exactly how you’d expect. It’s baffling to me that this went on as scheduled, when even matchups like Kentucky vs. Louisville are being scrapped due to the virus. Obviously, I never enjoy taking a loss to Clemson in any scenario, but voluntarily playing them when the Gamecocks already had a hand tied behind their back is a headscratcher. What’s more perplexing, though, is how the men’s program continues to struggle with COVID protocol issues, when the women’s team has (thankfully) yet to have this problem. Seriously, what’s the deal?