South Carolina's updated ranking in ESPN's Football Power Index

South Carolina lost to LSU this weekend by a score of 20-10. Despite that, the Gamecocks did not see much downward movement in ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) rankings, mostly due to the team’s strength of schedule, something that won’t ease up for several more weeks.

With the defeat, Shane Beamer’s team shifted down just one spot to No. 30 this week. At the time of this writing, that is 13th in the SEC behind only the Arkansas Razorbacks (36), Mississippi State Bulldogs (47), and Kentucky Wildcats (50). It is also the No. 9 mark of all teams on the Gamecocks’ 2025 schedule, ahead of the Kentucky Wildcats (50), the Virginia Tech Hokies (70), and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (119).

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Even with the slight drop in overall FPI standing, South Carolina improved some of its efficiency metrics.

Offensively, the Gamecocks shifted from No. 90 to No. 76. Mike Shula’s group had its best rushing day of the season against LSU last weekend. The Gamecocks went for just under 250 yards on the ground before sack adjustment. The passing game wasn’t at its best, however (largely due to poor protection), holding the offense back.

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Clayton White continues to field a competent unit. South Carolina has the No. 27 defense in the country, according to the FPI efficiency metrics. That is the same spot USC held a week ago. USC forced three big turnovers against LSU to remain in the game, despite a tough offensive effort.

Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis still has the Gamecocks inside the top 10, according to the FPI. Carolina’s kickings, coverage, and return units are No. 9 nationally. That is one spot down from last week.

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South Carolina’s third loss shifted the team’s College Football Playoff chances to a season low. Needing to be perfect the rest of the way to earn consideration for the 12-team field, ESPN’s FPI gives that just a 0.3% chance of happening.

The Gamecocks’ overall postseason odds have dipped, as well. Now, the worldwide leader gives South Carolina a 54.9% chance of reaching the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility. On a per-game basis, ESPN’s FPI matchup predictor lists the Gamecocks as a favorite just twice during the back half of the season. Because of that, the official FPI record prediction is 5.7-6.3. That indicates that the model believes there is a solid opportunity for USC to pull off at least one upset.

The FPI views South Carolina as an underdog against Oklahoma and Alabama at home the next two weeks. Then, the Gamecocks are FPI road underdogs against Ole Miss and Texas A&M in the first two games of November. As things stand, the power index lists Carolina as a home favorite over both Coastal Carolina and Clemson.

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The difficult road ahead includes matchups against the FPI’s No. 20 (Oklahoma), No. 3 (Alabama), No. 12 (Ole Miss), No. 11 (Texas A&M), No. 119 (Coastal Carolina), and No. 29 (Clemson) teams.

That slate continues with this Saturday’s home showdown with the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma is 46th nationally on offense, 11th on defense, and 14th on special teams, according to the FPI.

In what will be just the second-ever game between the two programs, Oklahoma will look for revenge for a lopsided 2024 defeat. Kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium is set for 12:45 p.m. SEC Network will handle the broadcast, while the ESPN app will stream the contest.

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