Has the future arrived in Columbia? Gamecock fans finally got their first extended look at touted freshman Luke Doty Saturday night during the 17-10 loss to Missouri.

The South Carolina defense overcame four opt outs during the week and pitched a shutout in the second half against the Tigers.

Are the Missouri Tigers world beaters? Far from it. However, the rallying cry all week in Columbia has been “play for the block C on your chest.” And you saw a different style of play in terms of motivation on Saturday night.

As we said last week, this team isn’t going to magically improve now that the head coach is gone. It’s still very likely the Gamecocks lose their last 2 games of the season.

But, you’re seeing this team figh and fans should be encouraged.

This week, the Georgia Bulldogs come to town having found their QB in JT Daniels. The Dawg defense is ferocious, although they were had by Mississippi State last week.

The Gamecock defense needs to mix their looks this week against Daniels and George Pickens. They must continue trying to bring some semblance of pressure with the front 4, because there isn’t the depth at the linebacking corps to consistently bring 5-6 on a blitz.

Offensively, the Gamecocks may be without wide receiver Shi Smith, their only offensive weapon of consequence after his first quarter injury against Missouri.

Will Doty get his first start of his college career against the Gamecocks’ biggest SEC rival? Interim head coach Mike Bobo was noncommittal, but Doty’s mobility gives the Gamecocks the best chance to keep this game close.

It’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving and we all should be settling in to watch another edition of the greatest rivalry in college football. Unfortunately, the Carolina/Clemson game is just another thing covid-19 has taken from us. So we’ll have to settle for 2 more conference games to finish out a forgettable 2020 season.

Enjoy the turkey on Thursday (then again on Friday and Saturday) and time with family during this Thanksgiving holiday.

Among the things you’re thankful for, mention the fact that college football did happen in 2020.

No matter the Gamecocks’ record or who becomes the next head coach, that’s something we can all be thankfu for.

Lexington County Blowfish assistant general manager Justin Hall, radio host Rob Thomas and former University of South Carolina wide receiver Tim Frisby co-host “The 5th Quarter Post-Game Show” following Gamecock games on WVOC (103.5 FM or 560 AM). All South Carolina football games can be heard on WNKT (107.5 FM).