In a pattern that has become all too familiar since Shane Beamer took over as head coach in 2021, the South Carolina Gamecocks had to overcome early struggles once again in their season opener. While their recent win may have temporarily overshadowed their previous lackluster performance against ODU, it is clear that slow starts have plagued the program under Beamer's leadership.

Last week's lackluster display against ODU served as a stark reminder that the Gamecocks still have some work to do in order to reach their full potential. The 26-14 victory over East Carolina in Week 2 last year, and the dramatic 49-36 win against Georgia State in the opener of this season were other instances where the team had to rely on late-game heroics to secure the win.

Even in Beamer's inaugural season, South Carolina encountered difficulties in their early games. A hard-fought 20-17 triumph on the road against East Carolina in Week 2 exemplified the team's struggle to find their rhythm. Similarly, in 2022, the Gamecocks relied on two blocked kicks returned for touchdowns to turn a close contest into what appeared to be a comfortable victory against Georgia State.

This trend of slow starts is not exclusive to recent memory, as even last season's opener against North Carolina proved to be a daunting task. The Gamecocks faced a tough battle against the Tar Heels, highlighting the team's struggles at the beginning of the season.

While these slow starts may not be an excuse, they do paint a clear picture of the challenges that Beamer and his coaching staff have faced early on in their tenure. It is evident that the team needs to find a way to come out stronger and more prepared in future season openers to avoid the need for late-game heroics to secure victories.

Fortunately for Beamer and the Gamecocks, their recent win over the weekend has provided a glimmer of hope. It serves as a reminder that the team has the potential to overcome adversity and perform at a high level. However, it is crucial that they address the recurring issue of slow starts to ensure a more successful and consistent season moving forward.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Beamer and his coaching staff tackle this challenge and work towards establishing a strong foundation from the opening game. Only time will tell if the Gamecocks can break free from the pattern of slow starts and establish themselves as a formidable force in college football.

In the meantime, fans and observers will anxiously await the team's next season opener, hoping for a more dominating performance that sets the tone for an impressive campaign.