The South Carolina Gamecocks will open the season on Thursday September, 2^nd against Southern Miss in the first College Football game of the 2010 season.  The Gamecocks come in installed as 14 point favorites in this one.  Last year Southern Miss was only 1-6 SU on the road allowing 32.4 points per game away from home.  Meanwhile, South Carolina was 6-1 SU at home allowing only 16.7 points per game. 

                The Gamecocks should make some noise this year in the Southeastern Conference.  I’m expecting this to be one of the best years for the Gamecocks since Steve Spurrier has been Head Coach.  The Gamecocks have 15 starters returning from last year’s bowl team.  This does include QB Stephen Garcia, who is the active SEC leader in total yards and passing yards.  If Garcia is on the money as expected this year, the Gamecocks will have one of the best offenses in the league.  But even if he is not, he has already gotten some competition from Freshman QB Connor Shaw and Spurrier has not ruled out starting Shaw in the opener here.  The running game last year was almost non-existent for the Gamecocks but this year will be different and should open up some huge opportunities for the Quarterback.  The Gamecocks have some very good running backs including incoming Freshman Top Recruit Marcus Lattimore, Kenny Miles, who led the team in rushing last year with 626 yards, Brian Maddox, Jarvis Giles and Bryce Sherman.  A starter is not expected to be named until the week of the game. 

                Southern Miss is returning 13 starters from last year’s team.  Third year Coach Larry Fedora is 14-12 SU in his career here at Southern Miss.  I’m still not completely sold on him.  This program is use to winning in College Football, year in and year out.  The past 3 years have resulted in consecutive 7-6 seasons.  I think it will be hard for Southern Miss to achieve a winning record this year. 

                Here are some trends to consider for this one.  Southern Miss is 0-7 ATS when playing on Weekdays their last 7.  Southern Miss is 2-6 ATS their last 8 against SEC opponents.  Gamecocks are 4-0 ATS last 4 games in September.  Gamecocks are 6-2 ATS last 8 games when playing on Thursday. 

                I feel like the Gamecocks will get the job done in this one.  Look for the running game to open it up for either Garcia or Shaw and the Gamecock offense.  Play the Gamecocks  and lay the two touchdowns.