Led by first-year head coach Paul Dietzel, the Gamecocks compiled an overall record of 1–9 with a mark of 1–3 in conference play, placing seventh in the ACC.
Dietzel's first game leading the Gamecocks was on the road against his former team, LSU, with the Tigers winning, 28–12.
Dietzel had suggested that LSU should schedule a four-game series with South Carolina when he was still the Tigers' head coach.
[1] Dietzel's first season also saw the introduction of the gamecock logo to South Carolina's helmets, and it has remained almost continuously ever since.
[2][3] In South Carolina's only win of the season, against NC State, defensive back and team captain Bobby Bryant returned a punt 98 yards for a touchdown, setting a program record for longest punt return.