1980 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

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The 1980 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the 1980 NCAA Division I-A college football season.

Regular season

In 1980, the South Carolina Gamecocks returned with plenty of talent, which was headlined by senior running back and Heisman candidate George Rogers. His 1,781 yards was the best in the nation and earned him a spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

The Downtown Athletic Club in New York City named Rogers as the winner of the 1980 Heisman Trophy. Rogers beat out an impressive group of players, including Pittsburgh defensive lineman Hugh Green and Georgia running back Herschel Walker. Rogers also earned spots on eight All-America teams, all First Team honors.

Rogers had his number "38" retired during halftime ceremonies at South Carolina's final 1980 home game. He was the first University of South Carolina player to have his jersey retired while still active at the school.

Rogers left the Gamecock football program as its most successful running back, and many of his records remain after all these years. His 5,204 yards is still the highest career total by any Gamecock running back, and his 31 rushing touchdowns is tied with Harold Green for first. He is second on the all-time points scored list with 202. He also gained more than 100 yards in each of his final 22 college games.

Season schedule

The Gamecocks finished the regular season with an 8-3 record.

Game	Date	Opponent	Result	Gamecocks points	Opponents	Record
1	Sept. 6	Pacific	Win	37	0	1-0
2	Sept. 13	Wichita State	Win	73	0	2-0
3	Sept. 20	@ USC	Loss	13	23	2-1
4	Sept. 27	@ Michigan	Win	17	14	3-1
5	Oct. 4	North Carolina State	Win	30	10	4-1
6	Oct. 11	Duke	Win	20	7	5-1
7	Oct. 18	Cincinnati	Win	49	7	6-1
8	Nov. 1	@ Georgia	Loss	10	13	6-2
9	Nov. 8	The Citadel	Win	45	24	7-2
10	Nov. 15	Wake Forest	Win	39	38	8-2
11	Nov. 22	@ Clemson	Loss	6	27	8-3

Team Players in the NFL

Player	Position	Round	Pick	NFL Club
George Rogers	Running Back	1	1	New Orleans Saints

Awards and honors

• George Rogers, Heisman Trophy