who thinks the Gamecocks cover 11 on UNC???

[Big Bear]

Thats alot of points ... and USC does tend to sleep walk through their opening games.....


BUT... Isnt UNC supposed to one of the worst teams in the whole country this year?

UNC may get their doors blown off simply bc they dont have the same level of athletes

[gojetsgomoxies]

i'd be shocked if unc is amongst the worst teams in the country this year ..... and i can't imagine a big state school in a state with a significant black population won't have enough athletes.... lastly, as you somewhat allude to, i don't picture south carolina blowing teams out and/or being high scoring...... i could be wrong on any of my statements above.

north carolina is very low on returning juniors and seniors.

all in all, i think you are probably on the right track, but i certainly don't think of socarolina as a cover machine. obv all the hype is on one guy on the DLine

[hubie69]

This was a game that I briefly circled to look into further. gut reaction is I agree but need to break it down before I throw money it.

[BigdaddyQH]

UNC returns 6 starters on offense including their QB Renner, and 7 on the defensive side of the ball. Tough spot for South Carolina because they go to Athens the following week for a date with Georgia, while UNC hosts Middle Tennessee. I see lines of 11 and 12 now. I cannot touch South Carolina here. Probably a pass for me.

[suicidekings]

I like SC to win by double digits, but it would be a small play if I do it at all. I'm not really a Renner fan, and the Gamecocks are absolutely loaded this season.

[Big Bear]

i'd be shocked if unc is amongst the worst teams in the country this year ..... and i can't imagine a big state school in a state with a significant black population won't have enough athletes.... lastly, as you somewhat allude to, i don't picture south carolina blowing teams out and/or being high scoring...... i could be wrong on any of my statements above.

north carolina is very low on returning juniors and seniors.

all in all, i think you are probably on the right track, but i certainly don't think of socarolina as a cover machine. obv all the hype is on one guy on the DLine

correct me if i'm wrong but South Carolina has a stud QB this year... Dylan Thompson.. Connor Shaw is fukking terrible hopefully he doesn't get to play much...

but South Carolina has talent all over the field. not just Clowney.

[WorkHorse]

I'm guessing most of us would agree South Carolina has more talent than North Carolina. The "Big Bear" (no pun intended) in the room is who the Gamecocks have on deck. Maybe the most important game of the season having to travel to Georgia. Out of curiosity, I went back and looked at teams Spurrier had played before the Dawgs and where Georgia came up on the schedule.

2013: North Carolina ? (2nd game) ?
2012: Kentucky 38-17 (5th game) beat GA 35-7
2011: E. Carolina 56-37 (2nd game) beat GA 45-42
2010: So Miss 41-13 (2nd game) beat GA 17-6
2009: N. Car St. 7-3 (2nd game) lost GA 37-41
2008: Vanderbilt 17-24 (3rd game) lost GA 7-14
2007: La-Lafayett 28-14 (2nd game) beat GA 16-12
2006: Miss State 15-0 (2nd game) lost GA 0-18
2005: Cent Florida 24-15 (2nd game) lost GA 15-17

What can one draw from this? Hell, maybe little but I find it interesting that South Carolina is 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS before playing Georgia and 4-4 SU against them during Spurrier's time in Columbia.

[suicidekings]

I think in general, it's tough to bet against a good team in Week 1 based on who they face next. Every team is healthy and excited to be playing against other teams after months of intrasquad play.

Nothing builds team confidence or causes more concern for upcoming opponents like an overwhelming victory to start off the year.

[WorkHorse]

Suicide, I have learned over the past couple of months to respect your CFB posts. You are one of a handful of posters so far I and my gang really take seriously.

I will only play four to six games opening week and this will not be one of them..BUT..if I did, I would take the points. I realize ACC vs SEC, Gamecocks playing at home, Spurrier good track record before facing Georgia, SC having the better players, etc....etc. I just think this North Carolina team is being overlooked and will surprise South Carolina opening night. Since I will not have one penny on the game...that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[thetrinity]

unc covers

[MoneyLineDawg]

SCAR will not be looking ahead to Georgia.....UNC/SC is an old rivalry and the fans do not like eachother.....Also ACC/SEC angle

Gotta figure the Gamecocks will be fired up at home and should be able to cover.....UNC isn't a bad team but don't think they can hang on the road

Big Bear, Connor Shaw is not a bad player at all, you're crazy....He's injury prone but a stud when healthy......They are going with a dual QB system that Spurrier likes anyway

You really need to watch him play more....he's just very smart and deceptive and keeps drives alive by any means.......Spurrier loves Shaw and almost always has a problem with his QB

http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/504292/connor-shaw

[suicidekings]

SCAR will not be looking ahead to Georgia.....UNC/SC is an old rivalry and the fans do not like eachother.....Also ACC/SEC angle

They've only played once in the last 20 years. The rivalry has a big asterisk beside it.

[MoneyLineDawg]

They've only played once in the last 20 years. The rivalry has a big asterisk beside it.

I said old rivalry on the field, but its more than that off the field......Believe me though we hate UNC and they don't like us either.....They both call themselves "Carolina"

Border battle

Regardless.......Opening night in a season with high expectations against a team fans hate......Williams Brice Stadium will be rocking and the team will be fired up guaranteed.....Will it be enough to cover? Not sure

[Big Bear]

I said old rivalry on the field, but its more than that off the field......Believe me though we hate UNC and they don't like us either.....They both call themselves "Carolina"

Border battle

Regardless.......Opening night in a season with high expectations against a team fans hate......Williams Brice Stadium will be rocking and the team will be fired up guaranteed.....Will it be enough to cover? Not sure

if the game were to be player at williams brice South Car would be favored by 20 or more.

The game is in Charlotte, NC

there will be a ton of carolina blue in the stands.... rednecks in charlotte love the Tarholes

[Big Bear]

spread is -10 now

[BigdaddyQH]

The spread in Vegas is -12. Also the game is in South Carolina. These two play in Charlotte in 2015.

[Big Bear]

The spread in Vegas is -12. Also the game is in South Carolina. These two play in Charlotte in 2015.

nah trust me charlotte.

[MoneyLineDawg]

The game is in South Carolina bro

Next Event

vs.

North Carolina

Day:		Thursday
Date:		Aug. 29, 2013
Location:		Columbia, S.C.
Time:		6:00 p.m. ET

Coverage

TV:		ESPN

[eeezzzz]

nah trust me charlotte.

It's funny to say "trust me" when a 2 second google search can clear everything up.

[SECSNOB15]

Hey all, new user here. I love this website and the forums, a lot of you guys give great information and insight. I really do appreciate it.

Anyways, Big Bear I enjoy your baseball picks and your insight but you are wrong here. As a Gamecock alumni, you are wrong about Connor Shaw. The kid is 17-3 as a starter. He is a warrior. Last season he was essentially hurt the entire year (he got knocked up in the first game). He is one of the fastest players on the team and is the fastest QB in the SEC. His legs make him an electric player and his arm is good enough to keep defenses honest if they try to stack the box on contain him. His arm is not as good as Dylan Thompson, who is the true definition of a gunslinger, but it is sufficient enough to take the Gamecocks to an SEC Championship. I happen to be more of a Thompson fan, but Shaw's legs are invaluable.

As for the other positions, the RB tandem of Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds is going to surprise a lot of people this year. Mike Davis (younger brother of former Clemson RB James Davis) is a hell of a talent and I believe he will carry the full load by mid season. At WR losing Ace Sanders definitely hurt but Bruce Ellington returns as the leader of the group. I also look for Shamier Jeffrey and Nick Jones to have solid years.

Defensively the D-Line is one of the best in the country led by Jadeveon Clowney. He will have at least 18 sacks and possibly break Suggs' record of 22.5 I believe (correct me if I am wrong)? Oh and if you double him you have to deal with Chaz Sutton on the opposite side, who is also one of the best D-Ends in the SEC. Kelcy Quarles should have a very productive year at DT. The LB's are very new and inexperienced so that is definitely the weak spot on the defense. I happen to LOVE the CB's in Jimmy Legree and Victor Hampton. Both are pretty good cover corners, with Vic having a bit of "nastiness" to him. There will be two new starting safety's so, but hopefully Vic and Jimmy can make their transition to starters much more comfortable.

I just thought I would give my insight on the Gamecocks. Take it for what it's worth. I look forward to posting more in the future and thanks for taking the time to read this, I know it's pretty long haha.

[SECSNOB15]

Oh, and UNC is far, far from one of the worst teams in the country. They are a dark horse National Championship contender (I know, VERY dark horse). Fedora is coming into his second year and the offense should be much more comfortable and faster running his up-tempo, no huddle offense. They should be able to wear down opponents over the course of games. UNC also has a pretty easy in-conference schedule. They avoid both FSU and Clemson from the Atlantic Division.

[Urbanwildlife]

Welcome to the forum and nice commentary! Good luck on a successful season, and hoping you take many strolls to the pay window!

[Big Bear]

Oh, and UNC is far, far from one of the worst teams in the country. They are a dark horse National Championship contender (I know, VERY dark horse). Fedora is coming into his second year and the offense should be much more comfortable and faster running his up-tempo, no huddle offense. They should be able to wear down opponents over the course of games. UNC also has a pretty easy in-conference schedule. They avoid both FSU and Clemson from the Atlantic Division.

national title contender??? whaaat?

[teaserpleaser]

Thats alot of points ... and USC does tend to sleep walk through their opening games.....


BUT... Isnt UNC supposed to one of the worst teams in the whole country this year?

UNC may get their doors blown off simply bc they dont have the same level of athletes

is this guy serious??

[SamDiamond]

Why in god's name do you think UNC will be one of the worst teams in the country?

Look at their roster.

Hurst, their left OT will be a first round NFL draft pick. They also have the best TE in the ACC.

Kareem Martin, their DE, was voted the best DE by the ACC coaches, and is projected to be a Top 15 NFL pick next spring.

Renner is the 2nd best QB in the ACC, behind Boyd.

Talent is not UNC's problem, and now that Larry Fedora is coaching them, they are going to be tough to beat.

This is an avoid game for me-----

[SamDiamond]

is this guy serious??

I'm afraid he is.

UNC has at a minimum--- 2 NFL first-rounders this year. Hurst and Martin.

Renner is probably a 2nd or 3rd round NFL QB selection next spring.

[SECSNOB15]

Why in god's name do you think UNC will be one of the worst teams in the country?

Look at their roster.

Hurst, their left OT will be a first round NFL draft pick. They also have the best TE in the ACC.

Kareem Martin, their DE, was voted the best DE by the ACC coaches, and is projected to be a Top 15 NFL pick next spring.

Renner is the 2nd best QB in the ACC, behind Boyd.

Talent is not UNC's problem, and now that Larry Fedora is coaching them, they are going to be tough to beat.

This is an avoid game for me-----

Excellent analysis. Agree 100%.

And yes Big Bear, in my opinion they are a dark horse contender for the National Championship. As dark as that may be haha.

[SECSNOB15]

But if they lose vs. South Carolina in the first game and win out the rest of the season, I don't believe they would make the National Championship. A 1 loss SEC team and a 1 loss Ohio State or someone like Stanford or Oregon would make it over UNC (assuming nobody goes undefeated, which is unlikely IMO).

[Big Bear]

wow maybe this Tarheels team is foreal. Its just hard for me to imagine them being competitive with South Carolina

[nickeydyme]

good thread and good info...couple thoughts though---i dont think connor shaw is faster than johnny manziel and Byrd is fastest player on gamecocks team but Shaw is a good runner but didnt look very good in first scrimage this past saturday...S. Carolina is familiar with Fedora and his offense, they beat down a decent Southern Miss team back in the season home opener in 2010 41-13, S. Miss had stud qb and future nfl qb Junior Austin Davis at the helm. Granted this is a few years later and UNC talent def better than S. Miss talent was but that was also just an 8-5 USCe team, this current S. Carolina team might be Spurrier's best ever. UNC won't be able to run on them and the other strength of USCe is their secondary. I'm expecting a similar game to ly home against Tennesee, the game Lattimore went down in. USCe was cruising then Lattimore got hurt and it rattled the team a bit but they had shut down Tennessee's passing game, the game ended a bit closer than it should have due to the injury. Also, Spurrier has won 20 straight season openers!

UNC will be a good team this year, that passing offense will be good this year but there is no way they can replicate their rush offense with a revolving backfield. Also, their defense wasn't very good ly and their 2 best players went to the nfl and just last week 2 potential starters went down with year end injuries. They are def not a slight dark horse national championship contender this year imo.

[bubblebuttluv]

Just take the ML on South Carolina. Don't fear juice in football. The Broncos, 49ers, Bulldogs, Crimson Tide, etc. are not the pussy lay down types like the Miami Heat. There is no layoff in football.

[nickeydyme]

agreed on ml play...im thinking parlay USCe and Minnesota, pays back about half the bet

[SECSNOB15]

good thread and good info...couple thoughts though---i dont think connor shaw is faster than johnny manziel and Byrd is fastest player on gamecocks team but Shaw is a good runner but didnt look very good in first scrimage this past saturday...S. Carolina is familiar with Fedora and his offense, they beat down a decent Southern Miss team back in the season home opener in 2010 41-13, S. Miss had stud qb and future nfl qb Junior Austin Davis at the helm. Granted this is a few years later and UNC talent def better than S. Miss talent was but that was also just an 8-5 USCe team, this current S. Carolina team might be Spurrier's best ever. UNC won't be able to run on them and the other strength of USCe is their secondary. I'm expecting a similar game to ly home against Tennesee, the game Lattimore went down in. USCe was cruising then Lattimore got hurt and it rattled the team a bit but they had shut down Tennessee's passing game, the game ended a bit closer than it should have due to the injury. Also, Spurrier has won 20 straight season openers!

UNC will be a good team this year, that passing offense will be good this year but there is no way they can replicate their rush offense with a revolving backfield. Also, their defense wasn't very good ly and their 2 best players went to the nfl and just last week 2 potential starters went down with year end injuries. They are def not a slight dark horse national championship contender this year imo.

Good points. I forgot about Johnny Manziel, he is definitely more elusive and faster than Shaw (I believe Manziel is around 4.5, sub 4.5ish and Shaw is right around 4.6).

The only reason UNC could emerge as a BCS team and possibly, but unlikely, National Championship contender is their schedule. Besides SC, their schedule is relatively easy. The ACC Coastal is a toss up with Miami and VA Tech being very beatable. They avoid Clemson and FSU from the ACC Atlantic. I will not be shocked if they only lose 1 or 2 games, but I think 9-3 is a very realistic prediction for UNC.

[nickeydyme]

agreed on your prediction!

[Mac4Lyfe]

I'm leaning taking UNC first quarter maybe first half and then take USC second half. UNC was pretty good last year, 3 out of the 4 losses were by a FG average. The game against GT may be more like USC IMO. Back and forth contest until USC wears them down with depth and run them ragged. I can see USC winning by about 8 - 10 points. UNC should be good to cover early on but USC will win the 2nd half.