(WLTX) - According to CBS Sports, the Gamecocks are going to be one of the top contenders for the National title--if they can get past a few members of their own conference.

In advance of the coming season, CBSSports.com released its preseason top 25, and placed the Gamecocks at number eight.

USC is led by junior quarterback Conner Shaw, junior running back Marcus Lattimore, and young defensive star Jadeveon Clowney.

While the Gamecocks are ranked eighth overall, they're only fourth among SEC teams, behind LSU (1st), Alabama (2nd), and Georgia (6th).

USC will have a chance to prove that prognostication wrong, as the Gamecocks play both LSU and Georgia during the regular season.

The Gamecocks preseason practice begins Friday.

CBSSports.com Preseason Top 25:

1. LSU

2. USC

3. Alabama

4. Oklahoma

5. Oregon

6. Georgia

7. Florida State

8. South Carolina

9. Michigan

10. West Virginia

11. Arkansas

12. Wisconsin

13. Clemson

14. Michigan State

15. Ohio State

16. TCU

17. Texas

18. Virginia Tech

19. Oklahoma State

20. Nebraska

21. Stanford

22. Kansas State

23. Florida

24. Utah

25. Boise State