2010 South Carolina Gamecocks Preview Odds

South Carolina Gamecocks

7-6, 7-6 ATS, 5th Place in SEC East

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +10000
Odds to Win SEC 25/1
at Bookmaker Sportsbook

Steve Spurrier will lead the Gamecocks into battle for his sixth season. The 2009 campaign featured a lot of young talent, wins in close games, and competitive showings against Florida and Alabama. Now with some experience under their belt, the Gamecocks look to become more than a subpar SEC squad.

Offensive Outlook: The 2009 Gamecock offense produced a 102nd ranked 20.6 points per game. Sophomore QB Stephen Garcia defined mediocrity, completing 55.3% of his passes for 2,862 yards, 17 scores, and 10 picks. Six players caught at least 21 balls each, with Alshon Jeffery and Moe Brown leading the pack. Jeffery averaged 16.6 yards on 46 receptions, scoring six times, while Brown racked up 491 yards on 33 catches and three touchdowns. The rushing game was not a significant part of the offense, as the team ranked 91st in the nation with 121.2 yards per game. Just in case Spurrier and his staff want to run the ball, though, senior Brandon Maddox and sophomore Kenny Miles will be there. The two combined for 933 yards and seven scores last season.

Defensive Outlook: For as poorly as the offensive unit performed last year, the defense did that splendidly. Great depth at safety and linebacker led to this unit allowing just 163 passing yards per game, good for eighth in the nation. This unit also kept the team in several close games, as the Gamecocks won four of five games decided by six points or less. This defense will have great depth again in 2010, so expect more great numbers.

The Final Word: The Gamecocks are a team on the rise in 2010. With Garcia entering his junior season at quarterback, having great depth at wide receiver, the poor offensive numbers will be a thing of the past. A loaded defense looks to produce some of the top numbers in the nation and clamp down on SEC passing attacks. If you’re looking for an SEC dark horse, look no further than the South Carolina Gamecocks. While they will be hard pressed to overtake Florida, don’t be surprised if you see them contending for second place.

2010 South Carolina Gamecocks Prediction: 9-3, 3rd place in SEC East

2010 South Carolina Gamecocks Schedule
9/2 Southern Miss
9/11 Georgia
9/18 Furman
9/25 @ Auburn
10/9 Alabama
10/16 @ Kentucky
10/23 @ Vanderbilt
10/30 Tennessee
11/6 Arkansas
11/13 @ Florida
11/20 Troy
11/27 @ Clemson