Georgia Bulldogs vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Picks, Odds, & Predictions
September 8, 2008
Saturday Sept. 13, the # 2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs will head to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks. In what likely would of been the start of a 3 game stretch against top 25 teams, will be no more after the Gamecocks failed to win at Vandy last weekend, and were knocked out of the top 25. Either way this is SEC football at its finest, and a trip home could really help the Gamecocks chances this weekend.
Current odds at JustBet.com
Bulldogs -7
South Carolina +7
When you look at the Bulldogs first two games of the season, they both came out as pretty lopsided wins, but last week the Bulldogs looked much better in a romp of Central Michigan 56-17. Sophomore running back Knowshon Moreno put up his second straight 3 touchdown performance, when he ran for 168 yards. The passing game looked pretty good as well, as quarterback Matt Stafford hit Mohamed Massaquoi for two scores. There is no question that the Bulldogs will look to ground and pound it this weekend, but don;t be surprised to see some play actions wind up for big yards in the air.
The defense of the Bulldogs was stellar against the run allowing Central Michigan just 59 yards on the ground, but they did get up 250 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. Defensive end Demarcus Dobbs made his presence felt when he ran an interception back 78 yards for a touchdown late in the first half, but with just a minute to go the Bulldogs allowed Central Michigan to drive right back down the field for a score. Look for the secondary to be tested again this weekend, and if they are able to shut down the Gamecocks receivers, a win will likely follow. Bet Georgia -7 at JustBet.com
The Gamecocks looked good early last week, as they took a 10-3 lead into the half, but were held at bay till halfway through the 4th quarter, and it was just too little to late. Quarterback Chris Smelley did throw for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, but he did throw to costly picks as well. The ground game was alright. as Mike Davis ran 18 times for 80 yards, but it is likely going to much tougher this weekend against the Bulldogs. Tight end Jared Cook was the go to guy through the air, as he hauled in 8 catches for 111 yards, and will need another big game this weekend. One other thing worth noting, is the Gamecocks failed on two field goal attempts, and they have to improve the kicking game this weekend.
The defense of the Gamecocks was really solid against the pass holding Vandy to just 90 yards through the air, but the damage was done on the ground where they gave up 135 yards and 2 scores. The defense really didn’t play that bad, as it held the Commodores to just 2 for 10 on 3rd down conversions, but giving up 3 straight scores on 3 straight possessions is hard to overcome. The challenge this weekend comes in stopping the explosive running of Moreno, as stopping him is likely the key to stopping the Bulldogs. Bet South Carolina +7 at JustBet.com
Predicted Score:
Georgia 24
South Carolina 17
If you are looking for some expert advise on who to pick this weekend, head over to professional handicapper Jason Lowry’s page today, and get on board with one of the best cappers in the business. If you are looking for more on the game this weekend, check out this great Georgia South Carolina preview.