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South Carolina keeps getting close — but Whit Merrifield and Patrick DiMarco believe the Gamecocks have to start turning those opportunities into wins.On this episode of Hit Stick, Whit and Patrick break down South Carolina's loss to Kentucky, including the fourth-down decisions, missed opportunities, defensive breakdowns and the moments that swung the game.They also discuss LaNorris Sellers' performance, the Gamecocks' short-yardage offense, Nyck Harbor, South Carolina's young playmakers and why execution becomes everything in the biggest moments.Then the conversation turns toward Gainesville. What does South Carolina have to do to beat Florida in The Swamp and change the direction of the season?Plus, Whit and Patrick address the frustration surrounding the program, Shane Beamer and what Gamecock fans should remember with plenty of football still left to play.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://sandstormtequila.com/?utm_source=hitstick&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fall2026 and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21+.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

South Carolina’s loss to Alabama left Patrick DiMarco and Whit Merrifield with plenty of questions.On this episode of Hit Stick, the former NFL and MLB standouts break down what went wrong for the Gamecocks against Alabama, including the lack of energy and defensive pressure, LaNorris Sellers’ struggles, the fourth-down decisions, South Carolina’s receiver production and the Dylan Stewart situation.Patrick and Whit also dig into a bigger question: does Shane Beamer need to identify the players he can truly build around for the rest of the season?Plus, they look ahead to a critical matchup with Kentucky and explain why there is still time for South Carolina to turn its season around.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://sandstormtequila.com/?utm_source=hitstick&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fall2026 and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21+.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

From sixth-string walk-on to Steve Spurrier's final starting quarterback at South Carolina. Perry Orth joins Hit Stick to share his incredible Gamecocks journey, the untold stories behind his rise to QB1, and his perspective on LaNorris Sellers.Former NFL fullback Patrick DiMarco and former MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield welcome Perry Orth for an exclusive conversation about his South Carolina football career, playing for Steve Spurrier, overcoming the odds as a walk-on, and the work it took to become a starting quarterback in the SEC.Orth reveals how he climbed the Gamecocks' depth chart, what Spurrier was really like behind the scenes, and the surreal moment he realized he had become South Carolina's QB1. He also shares stories about working landscaping jobs and at Publix while pursuing his football dream, his favorite Gamecocks teammates, and the day he learned Spurrier was stepping away.Plus, Perry offers his perspective on LaNorris Sellers' development, quarterback preparation, handling pressure, and what it takes to succeed under center at South Carolina.Before the interview, Patrick and Whit react to the Gamecocks' loss to Mississippi State, discuss Sellers' performance and the possibility of using Cutter Woods, and examine what South Carolina needs to address ahead of its matchup with Alabama.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.

The real season starts this week.Patrick DiMarco and Whit Merrifield are back and break down South Carolina’s first SEC test against Mississippi State, what they saw from the Gamecocks through the first two games, and what needs to change as the competition ramps up.The guys discuss LaNorris Sellers’ confidence and arm talent, the exchange with Mazeo Bennett, South Carolina’s offensive approach, the impact of potentially getting Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak back, and why Mississippi State shouldn’t be overlooked.Then Gamecock defenders Drew Collins, Quay’Sheed Scott and Jaquel Holman join the HitStick to talk about their journeys to South Carolina, life inside the program, Williams-Brice Stadium, competing in practice, the Gamecocks’ defensive culture and much more.Presented by Founder's Federal Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.foundersfcu.com.Presented by Sandstorm Tequila. Get 10% off your first order when you go to https://www.sandstormtequila.com and use code STORMFRONT. Veteran-owned, 100% blue agave. Must be 21.Presented by Gateway Supply. Learn more at https://www.gatewaysupply.net, stop by Gateway Supply today for expert advice, quality products, and service you can trust.Kick off football season with RSH Décor to create an outdoor space you'll love. Visit https://rshdecor.com/pages/gamecocks to shop for premium outdoor furniture and accessories, or call (864) 438-3676 to talk with our team about finding the perfect furniture for your home, business, or tailgating setup.

Why did Seth Smith choose South Carolina?The Gamecocks offensive lineman joins Jimmy & Joe’s to talk about his journey to Columbia, his first experience inside Williams-Brice Stadium, making the jump from the Big Sky to the SEC, and how South Carolina’s offensive line is coming together.Smith takes us through his football story — from growing up in Texas and Arizona to starting football in high school, developing at Northern Arizona, entering the transfer portal and ultimately finding a new home with the Gamecocks.He also breaks down what makes playing offensive line at the SEC level so difficult, the details fans may never notice on TV, South Carolina’s intense preparation, his relationship with the Gamecocks coaching staff and the mentality inside the offensive line room.Plus, Seth discusses his NFL aspirations, life after football, the importance of overcoming adversity and his message to Gamecock fans as SEC play approaches.Sponsored by 360 Clean: https://360clean.com/Presented by Sling: https://www.sling.com/Kick off football season with RSH Décor to create an outdoor space you'll love. Visit https://rshdecor.com/pages/gamecocks to shop for premium outdoor furniture and accessories, or call (864) 438-3676 to talk with our team about finding the perfect furniture for your home, business, or tailgating setup.