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South Carolina Gamecocks 2013 NCAA Football Gambling Odds & Predictions

2013-14 Preview (SEC) South Carolina

South Carolina enjoyed another very good season last year, finishing 11-2 after a bowl win for the second year in a row. Even though coach Steve Spurrier is known as an offensive genius it is defense that leads this club and they are led by the most dynamic defensive player in the nation – Jadeveon Clowney.

South Carolina Gamecocks
Coach: Steve Spurrier
2012 Record: 11-2
Odds of winning BCS Championship: +3000

Last year their downfall was a couple of road games against LSU and Florida but this year’s schedule is much kinder, maybe even championship worthy, but they are going to have to be perfect.

Even though the defense is strong for the Gamecocks to achieve that kind of success they are going to get more from QB Connor Shaw and the offense. There are enough pieces in place for them to be quite good but most importantly they need to figure out what really works so they can use it when they are challenged by the top defenses that litter the SEC (Florida and LSU stymied them).

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Spurrier has revived the South Carolina program but he has yet to take them to a BCS Bowl.

Over the last few seasons the offense never quite elevated itself.

They have been back and forth on a few quarterbacks and running back Marcus Lattimore never quite lived up to expectations thanks to injury after injury. This year they would be advised to settle on a quarterback and give him the reigns so that he can grow in the offense.

I think it will be gritty senior Connor Shaw but apparently junior Dylan Thompson has also been told to stay ready too. I have never bought into two quarterback systems.

Whoever is under center will be behind a line with 4 returning starters so the wall up front should be able to do its job. Running back Mike Davis was very productive as a freshman averaging more than 5 yards per carry and this season he is being asked to carry the load this season. At receiver, Bruce Ellington is very elusive but he is only 5’9”.

In fact the whole starting receiver trio is expected to be shorter than 6’0. I would like to see a taller receiver like K.J. Brent develop for this offense to thrives. Sometimes you need to outphysical the defense and these small guys struggle.

On defense all the talk is about Clowney, who is a freakish athlete, but the secondary should be also very good with 3 starters returning. As good as Clowney is for the past two years he has been helped by strong pass rushers on the opposite side of the line to help free him up to make big plays.

Last year DE Chaz Sutton picked up 5.5 sacks in part time duty and they are going to need him to increase his level of production so that Clowney can do his thing. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

When he is neutralized they can look kind of normal on defense

2013-14 Record Projection: 10-2

Things are setting up for another 11-2 season with the trouble spots a road trip to Georgia and the finale against a Clemson teams who is very good and will be seeking revenge. Other than that it is a pretty light schedule that avoids the top teams from the SEC West.

There are some interesting challenges from the likes of North Carolina in the opener and a game @UCF in which I will definitely playing against the Gamecocks but that is because I generally tend to the underdog. When it all is said and done that game against Georgia is the game that will break their season as it will keep them from the SEC Championship Game and achieving a truly great season.

South Carolina is proof of just how tough the SEC really is.

This team is probably a top 5 squad but having to play so many top teams in so many tough environments they are bound to fall at least once. I love these guys in games they are underdogs to keep it close but their offense scares me when they are the favourite.

Unfortunately there are not going to be that many underdog situations with South Carolina this season.

2013 Gamecocks Schedule:

Aug 29 – North Carolina
SEP 7 – @Georgia
SEP 14 – Vanderbilt
SEP 29 – @UCF
OCT 5 – Kentucky
OCT 12 – @Arkansas
OCT 19 – @Tennessee
OCT 26 – @Missouri
NOV 2 – Mississippi State
NOV 16 – Florida
NOV 23 – Coastal Carolin
NOV 30 – Clemson

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By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.