NCAAF Matchups: The annual match-up of the Georgia Bulldogs and the South Carolina Gamecocks has become a circled date on the calendar of all Southeastern Conference fans as it has evolved into a critical piece of the SEC East Division race. Georgia caught national attention for their dominating win over Clemson two weeks ago while South Carolina has been sluggish out of the gate which has put their championship credentials under intense scrutiny and doubt.
The South Carolina Gamecocks will host the Georgia Bulldogs at Williams Brice Stadium on Saturday afternoon with kickoff time set for 3:30 PM ET and coverage on CBS.
Week Off for UGA
After a 45-21 revenge home payout over Clemson on opening day the Georgia Bulldogs took last week off to prepare for this showdown with South Carolina. Running back Todd Gurley entered the top shelf of Heisman Trophy contenders with 198 yards rushing and 3 TD’s while adding a 100 yard TD kickoff return. Georgia outgained Clemson 459 yards to 291.
Not so Cocky
South Carolina was dominated on opening night in a stunning 52-28 home loss to Texas A&M and followed that up with a lethargic 33-23 home win over East Carolina but failed to cover as 14 point chalks. Carolina ranks an alarming 123rd in the nation for total defense.
Matchup and Pick
Georgia has been a poor betting value on the road with just two payouts in their last nine away games as five out of their last nine away games have gone under the total. South Carolina has covered 12 out of their last 19 home games with eight out of their last 12 home games going over the total. Georgia has struggled badly in keeping up their betting value against South Carolina as the Bulldogs have covered the spread in just two out of their last 10 games versus the Gamecocks, with just three out of the last 17 games between Georgia and South Carolina going over the total. Georgia has come away with the money in just one out of their last seven games at South Carolina with the last nine meetings at Williams Brice Stadium between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks going under the total. The betting public will be siding with Georgia in this one which will enhance Carolina’s board value. We’ll ride the head to head trend with a contrarian call on South Carolina and under the total in this one.