Unranked East Carolina will travel to Columbia, South Carolina this week to face the ninth ranked Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Saturday’s game between the two geographic rivals has a scheduled start time of 12:21pm ET; it can be seen live on the SEC Network. East Carolina vs South Carolina Odds are favoring Steve Spurrier’s team at -21 against the spread. Tomorrow’s game total is set at 51 points.

No. 9 South Carolina had a less than impressive debut to the season, narrowly slipping past Vanderbilt 17-13 in Nashville. Some are suggesting the shoddy performance was the result of an improved Commodores squad while others are saying the Gamecocks were limited due to a shoulder injury quarterback Connor Shaw sustained in the first half. Regardless of the reason, Steve Spurrier’s squad brought its top 10 ranking into question by laying an egg in front of a national television audience.

South Carolina could earn a measure of redemption tomorrow when it faces East Carolina in Columbia. Then again, the Gamecocks could further sully their reputation with a poor showing against the Pirates.

When these two schools met last season Spurrier’s crew walked away with a 56-37 win, but the stat sheet showed a different game. ECU recorded 21 first downs to SC’s 16 and it also converted nearly 50 percent of its third down opportunities. The Pirates also posted 345 yards to the Gamecocks 351 despite five turnovers.

South Carolina is, no doubt, anxious to put on a better performance after its ugly showing against Vandy, but with Shaw questionable due to his banged up shoulder, the Pirates have an opportunity to make this a closer game than most suspect.

East Carolina, which beat FCS school Appalachian State 35-13 in its opener, finished 5-7 last season, but it should be an improved club with 15 starters and 48 lettermen back. Will the Pirates get the job done this weekend in front of a hostile Columbia crowd? It is doubtful, but they stand a good chance at covering the 21 point spread.

Free Pick: Take East Carolina +21 tomorrow’s game.

East Carolina vs South Carolina Odds:

East Carolina Pirates +21 (-115), Over 51 (-110), +850 (Moneyline)

South Carolina Gamecocks -21 (-105), Under 51 (-110), -1200 (Moneyline)

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