Looking Ahead: Predictions for Next 4 Games
A third of the way through the season the Gamecocks sit at 2-2 (1-2) and are ready to start the meat of their schedule which starts this Saturday against the Texas A&M Aggies (4 p.m. est.). Lets take a look at how I think the Gamecocks will fair in their next four games.
No. 9 Texas A&M at South Carolina: This starts a five game home stand for the Gamecocks and will also be the first ranked opponent the Gamecocks face this season and if we are being honest the outcome does not look well. The Aggies are coming off a huge win against rival Arkansas last week while the Gamecocks are coming off a heartbreaking loss against SEC East foe Kentucky. I see the Gamecocks defense keeping the Aggies in check for the first half but lack of production by the offense keeps the crowd quiet and the defense begins to break. Aggies- 34 Gamecocks- 13.
No. 25 Georgia at South Carolina: Hatred rival strolls into Williams-Brice at night which is no easy task as the last time the Bulldogs came to Williams-Brice at night they left with a 35-7 loss. Georgia is also starting a true freshman quarterback who has yet to prove himself along with the overrated Georgia team this year. I see this one being a close one but the atmosphere of the crowd will be what helps propel the Gamecocks to a much needed win. Bulldogs- 16 Gamecocks 23.
Umass at South Carolina: This could be a tricky one for the Gamecocks as the Umass Minutemen have played two SEC teams already this season, keeping the score close with both teams. If the Gamecocks are hungover after an emotional win against rival Georgia from the week before, I see a loss happening. I also see a loss occurring if the Gamecocks overlook Umass and focus on their match up the following week with No. 11 Tennessee. Through all this however, I see the Gamecocks coming out with a sloppy win, Minutemen- 10 Gamecocks- 19
No. 11 Tennessee at South Carolina: The game time for this game has yet to be determined, but let me tell you, if it is a night game, watch out Tennessee. The Volunteers have had an up and down year as well as they struggled to beat inferior opponents ( Appalachian State and Ohio) but have completely dominated elite programs in Virginia Tech and Florida. Tennessee comes in battered and bruised after a tough game against rival Alabama from the week before and the Gamecocks come out with focus and intensity and upset the Vols, Volunteers- 14 Gamecocks- 20.
