Tar Heels vs Gamecocks Week 1 Point Spread
Finally we have some genuine action and not just talk. This border state battle is easily the best game of the first day of action as it pits two teams who though not favourites in either the SEC or ACC, are at least in the discussion of possible conference champs respectively.
North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0) vs South Carolina Gamecocks (0-0)
Thursday August 29
Williams-Brice Stadium – Columbia, SC
6:00PM
Moneyline: South Carolina -410, North Carolina +344
Spread: South Carolina -11.5
O/U: 56.5
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South Carolina is highly ranked and at home while North Carolina is hoping their pass offense can steal the game. These teams have met only once before, a South Carolina victory back in 2007. Finally some football.
Happy Football New Year.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels don’t have the talent on defense that they did in recent year but with senior QB Bryn Renner at the controls their passing offense should be very good, almost as good as last year when they averaged 40ppg.
It looks like they are not going to have battering ram running back A.J. Blue, which may affect their balance but as long as they keep Renner clean he can connect with WR Quinshad Davis and TE Eric Ebron, two very athletic and tough covers.
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On defense they should be able to stymie a South Carolina attack that, despite Steve Spurrier’s reputation, is not very sophisticated, and keep themselves in the game until the very last possession and possibly win it.
This is a great chance for the ACC to make a statement to their big brother to start the season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
South Carolina
If DE Jadeveon Clowney is actually going to compete for the Heisman Trophy this season he better get himself off to a good start in this national game to kickoff the season.
In fact, the only way the Gamecocks cover the spread in this one is if the defense is already in midseason form, keeping the Tar Heels out of the end zone and settling for field goals because I am confident they are going to be able to move the ball.
The own offense may sputter a bit and it is very possible we will see both Gamecocks QBs – Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson (which I never like).
Either way a couple of zippy returns by electric returner and receiver Bruce Ellington might be the difference in this very entertaining game as field position and whoever can take advantage of some short field should win the game.
It could go either way but odds are the Gamecocks win at home.
Spread Pick: North Carolina +11
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: South Carolina 27 – North Carolina 23
