Week 6: Gamecocks vs Wildcats Pick
NCAA Football Week 6 betting action sees the South Carolina Gamecocks taking on the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday October 4th at Memorial Stadium. Cappers Picks provides free college football handicapping tips all season long.
NCAA Football Wagering
Date/Time: Saturday, October 4 2014, 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Lexington KY
South Carolina -5.5, Kentucky +5.5
Over/Under: OFF
***2014 CFB BONUSES***
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The Steve Spurrier-led South Carolina Gamecocks have had a couple of let-downs already this season, but they will look to balance their equilibrium when they travel to Lexington, Kentucky to take on the Wildcats.
The Carolina Gamecocks got thumped by Texas A&M in the first week of the season (52-28) and then lost a heartbreaker last week to Missouri.
It’s not the start the “Ole Ball Coach” would want for his team in a year when they have QB Dylan Thompson, who’s been groomed for the position, and stud RB Mike Davis.
Being 2-2 in SEC play doesn’t augur well for the Gamecocks’ postseason aspirations.
The Wildcats, meanwhile, have played well in their first four games, carving out a 3-1 record with their only loss coming in a three-OT nailbiter against SEC East division player Florida.
Kentucky has rolled out an effective passing game (33rd in the nation, to be exact) led by sophomore QB Patrick Towles. It’s true that Kentucky has the teeth of its schedule looming, but the ‘Cats have looked strong against Ohio, the Gators and Vanderbilt.
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In terms of raw roster talent, this is a game that Carolina can use to get back on track, but it won’t be easy. The Gamecocks can’t take the Wildcats lightly, or they will be leaving the Bluegrass State with yet another conference loss.
Thompson has been strong for SC, throwing for 1,359 yards and a 12-3 TD/INT ratio. The senior was behind Connor Shaw on the depth chart for a long time; he’s showing that he can handle the offense effectively.
The running duo of Davis and Brandon Wilds is also quite functional for the Gamecocks. The problem has been on defense, where SC ranks 97th in the nation in points against, obviously getting off on the wrong foot surrendering 52 points to A&M.
Carolina recruits athletes, so it’s surprising the unit has struggled so much. They will have to get on the same page this weekend, or Towles will find paydirt repeatedly.
South Carolina has looked tantalizing several times while Spurrier has worn the headset, but it has never put it all together in the ruthless SEC.
The Gamecocks must ensure that another season of disappointment doesn’t turn into a complete trainwreck by winning these type of road games against a plucky, but beatable opponent in Kentucky.
The only truly daunting games ahead for the Gamecocks are against fifth-ranked Auburn and the season-closing “Battle of the Palmetto State” versus in-state rival Clemson.
Basically, if South Carolina wins the games it’s supposed to, Spurrier can still salvage a respectable season.
4* Play On South Carolina 31, Kentucky 21
Check out our Updated CFB Week 6 Odds.
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