South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2015 Prediction
By Ryan Fleming
To say that 2014 was a heartbreaking season for the Gamecocks would be a gross understatement. The SEC East favorite up until kickoff of the season opener, the Gamecocks were embarrassed in the Cockpit. Will the Gamecocks find redemption in 2015?
September 3rd vs North Carolina: The Gamecocks will prove themselves to be the “real” Carolina in the season opener. 28-17
September 12th vs Kentucky: Spurrier has never lost to the Wildcats at home, and this year will be no different. 38-10
September 19th @ Georgia: The Gamecocks won’t have Sandstorm for a psychological weapon between the hedges. This game will be an offensive shootout between the duo of David Williams and Cooper vs Georgia’s Chubb. This game is inconclusive.
September 26th vs Central Florida: Last time these two teams met on the gridiron, the first half looked as if the Knights might upset the Gamecocks. Won’t happen this time around. Williams and Cooper show out. 49-7
October 3rd @ Missouri: Missouri lost a ton of talent, last year was their last chance of a title for the forseeable future. The Gamecocks prevail in Connor Shaw stadium. 35-14
October 10th vs LSU: Last time these two played the #3 Gamecocks’ dream season was derailed by a last minute LSU touchdown and an intercepted Hail Mary. The Gamecocks will remember this, but will it be enough to upset the Tigers? Inconclusive
October 17th vs Vanderbilt: The Gamecocks’ haven’t lost to Vandy, let alone in Columbia, in many a moon. This year will be no different. Offense shows out and an improved defense flexes it’s muscle. 52-3
October 31st @ Texas A&M: Payback coming off the bye week. This game will be close, but a steady dose of David Williams and Cooper will wear out the Aggies. Gamecocks pull away in the fourth. 28-17
November 7th @ Tennessee: The Volunteers are one of the South’s hottest teams, but South Carolina will be coming to Knoxville with vengeance on the brain. These two teams will be evenly matched. Inconclusive.
November 14th vs Florida: It won’t take two special teams miracle plays and an overtime to pull this one off. Florida will be getting used to the new coach, and will look embarrassingly uncoordinated in Columbia. 17-7
November 21st vs The Citadel: Almost a repeat of UCF. The Gamecocks handily defeat the military academy. 42-7
November 28th vs Clemson: That team from upstate will be in the same position as the Gamecocks last year with their secondary having graduated. 28-7
Final regular season W/L prediction: 10-2. The Gamecocks will drop two out of three to LSU, Georgia, or Tennessee, but not all three. The defense will be much improved with some fresh help. The green quarterback, whether it’s Mitch or Nunez, will catch on quick.