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Is Tennessee walking into a trap at South Carolina? The Gamecocks are 3–3, fresh off an impressive victory over Florida and a much-needed bye week. Meanwhile, Tennessee comes to Columbia riding high after a statement win against Alabama. Could this be the moment South Carolina turns its entire season around?On this episode of Hit Stick, former NFL player Patrick DiMarco and former MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield break down South Carolina vs. Tennessee, the Gamecocks' midseason outlook, and the keys to slowing down the Volunteers. From Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop to South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the guys discuss what the Gamecocks must do to control the game, establish the run, protect the football, and pull off an upset.Patrick also explains what a bye week really means for a college football player's body, while Whit asks whether Tennessee's emotional victory over Alabama could set up a classic trap game. The guys revisit South Carolina's win over Florida, discuss the chaos unfolding across the SEC, and explore whether the Gamecocks can rediscover the momentum that made their 2024 season so memorable.Plus, Whit shares his recent visit with South Carolina baseball, the renewed connection between the program and its former players, and the guys swap stories about coaching youth sports. 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 stunned No. 16 Florida 38–19 in Gainesville, and Kelby Collins says the Gamecocks weren't surprised. What changed for Shane Beamer's team, and could this victory be the turning point in South Carolina's season?On this episode of Hit Stick, former NFL player Patrick DiMarco and former MLB player Whit Merrifield break down South Carolina's statement win over the Florida Gators before welcoming Gamecocks defensive lineman Kelby Collins for an exclusive conversation.With LaNorris Sellers accounting for five touchdowns, Dylan Stewart creating havoc on defense, and the Gamecocks finally delivering a breakthrough SEC victory, the guys examine what went right in Gainesville and what South Carolina needs to carry into the second half of the season.Patrick and Whit also discuss Shane Beamer, LaNorris Sellers' growing confidence, the Gamecocks' offensive weapons, and the upcoming SEC schedule.Is South Carolina's win over Florida the turning point the Gamecocks needed? Let us know in the comments!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 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.