S. Carolina kicked off the 2012 CFB season with a life and death struggle v. Vandy. They won 17-13 but were out-gained 276-205. It was the first of 11 victories for the 2nd consecutive season for the Gamecocks with veteran teams that each returned 13 starters. The statistical profile was similar as well, outscoring opponents 31-18, with the difference being that the 2012 edition was more strongly weighted to the passing game. With a pair of veteran signal callers and DL Clowney returning as the best defensive front 7 player in the nation, look for another banner season as the Gamecocks under 9th year HC Spurrier challenge for SEC supremacy.

Today’s opponent is a North Carolina team under 2nd year HC Fedora. In typical Fedora fashion, this was a team who averaged 41/486 on offense, just missing out on membership in the 200 Club. Due to probation, there was no “Bowl Carrot” for the Tar Heels last year. Thus, an 8-4 SU season, 5-3 SU in ACC play was quite an accomplishment considering Fedora played a plethora of freshman in his 1st year. Considering that 3 of their 4 losses were as a favorite and that 13 RS have a year under their belt in the Fedora system, I project improvement with an offense led by vet QB Renner who had 67% C in 2012.

Never easy to take an ACC team v. an SEC team knowing that Spurrier is 30-19 ATS at home in Columbia and that he possesses a 93-53 ATS record as chalk of less than 4 TD, a pattern that has persisted in Columbia. But on a late August evening, my percentage side is the double digit Underdog with an offense that has plenty of back door potential. Especially against a South Carolina team who may be peeking ahead to their critical SEC rivalry game with Georgia next week. (courtesy of Pregame Pro Joe Gavazzi)

College Football Free Picks: North Carolina at South Carolina: What college football bettors need to know about North Carolina Tar Heels at South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday (8/29/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson, with host Marco D'Angelo.

 

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