The Gamecocks were led by Lou Holtz in his third season as head coach, and played their home games in Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.

South Carolina followed up one of the biggest turnarounds in college football history in 2000 with another successful season in 2001.

17 Mississippi State was the first NCAA Division I-A game played following the September 11 attacks.

[1] Just over a week later, South Carolina defeated Alabama for the first time in program history, resulting in fans rushing the field.

22 Ohio State in the Outback Bowl for the second consecutive year, finishing the season with a record of 9–3 and ranked No.