South Carolina vs UCF NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
Central Florida has sprinted out to an impressive 3-0 start to the 2013 campaign and will look to improve their record with a win over No. 12 ranked South Carolina at home on Saturday.
No. 12 South Carolina (2-1) vs. UCF (3-0)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
Time: 12 p.m. EST
Venue: Bright House Networks Stadium
City: Orlando
O/U Odds: 53 1/2
Spread: South Carolina -7
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The Gamecocks arrive in Orlando with a 2-1 record, which included a narrow 35-25 victory over Vanderbilt their last time out.
South Carolina will need to bring its a-game against a high-octane Central Florida offense, which has had two weeks to get ready for this game, including a week off.
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The Gamecocks allowed the Commodores to hang around and held off a late rally to hang on to the win last weekend.
Quarterback Connor Shaw threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns while Bruce Ellington had eight catches for 111 yards and a second-quarter touchdown that gave South Carolina a 28-0 lead.
Shaw also rolled up 84 yards on the ground as the Gamecocks overcame three turnovers — something they will need to correct against the Knights who have scored at will against opponents this season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Gamecock’s defense will need to be sharp against a UCF offense that marched into Beaver Stadium and upset Penn State in its last outing.
Knight’s QB Blake Bortles passed for 288 yards and three touchdowns as UCF held on for their first 3-0 start since 1988.
It was also Central Florida’s first ever win against a Big Ten opponent and an impressive one too, as the Knights’ offense rolled up 507 yards on a very solid Penn State defense behind a solid effort from RB Storm Johnson who rushed for 117 yards and a score, adding to his team-leading seven total TDs on the year.
Matt’s Prediction
Okay, I know South Carolina has the edge up front in this one, and they look better on paper, but its defense has allowed the opposition to put up some serious points this season and since UCF excels in that department, I am going against the Gamecocks in this one.
I think you can expect to see Johnson continue his strong running play and Bortles to lead the team with a balanced attack through the air, keeping the Gamecocks guessing.
Sure, South Carolina will keep this one close, but the Knights will sneak away with the cover when all is said and done.
UCF 41, South Carolina 38
