How South Carolina plans to recover from mental mistakes ahead of Ole Miss

Entering Week 6 and fresh off a bye, the Gamecocks are trying to overcome mental mistakes heading into Ole Miss week. In a game like the one against LSU, it can be used as a learning opportunity for South Carolina going forward.

Junior defender DQ Smith recorded five total tackles against the Tigers, four of them solo. The defense will need to be at its highest level mentally to keep up with Jaxson Dart and Ole Miss' passing game.

“It was definitely hard knowing it was coming down to the wire,” Smith said. “But it's just about fixing bugs, seven window bugs, things we've done that we can fix. So just build on that and continue to trust what the coaches are giving us every week.”

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Fifth-year defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway Had just one tackle in the game against LSU. As a veteran, it is crucial to mentally prepare yourself and the team for an SEC game.

Mental preparation can help Hemingway and the Gamecocks prepare for unexpected events like injuries.

“Just communication, we all have to be on the same page, even if things are a little shaky out there. When you're on the same page, everything's right,” Hemingway said.

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However, a big advantage for South Carolina was that there was a release week in the fifth week to allow a restart. South Carolina will be able to put the past behind them and face a new opponent.

Senior running back Juju McDowell recorded just 6.3 yards rushing against LSU. However, after struggling with an injury last year, taking care of his body and mind during the off week will help him prepare for Ole Miss.

“I’m just taking care of my body, moving forward in the film room and trying to stay on top,” McDowell said. “We’re also bringing some of the younger people along to make sure we’re all on the same page.”