South Carolina vs. Missouri Prediction
The South Carolina Gamecocks enter their second game of the season again as the underdogs against the Missouri Tigers. Can Will Muschamp and his Gamecocks prove Vegas wrong again?
The SEC East crown looks more obtainable for Will Muschamp and his Gamecocks after their 35-28 win over NC State. Despite Vegas having the Wolfpack a 5-point favorite, the Gamecocks were able to make some halftime adjustments and battle their way to a victory. There are still several questions that Gamecock fans have about their team that they hope to have answered.
One thing that is not in question leading into game two of the 2017 season is the Gamecocks offense. Muschamp and his offensive coordinator Kurt Roper have some serious weapons at their arsenal. Against NC State, second year QB Jake Bentley threw for 215 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Deebo Samuel proved why he is a future NFL Draft pick with a 97 yard kickoff return for a TD and 83 Receiving yards with 2 touchdowns. Freshman WR Shi Smith also showed some potential with some clutch catches in his college debut.
All though Hayden Hurst, Rico Dowdle, AJ Turner, and Bryan Edwards had a pedestrian day, fans can expect all four players to make an impact not only against Missouri but for the rest of the season like they proved they were capable of last year. With this load of talent, there should be no cause for concern or questions on the Gamecocks offensive capability.
Some questions Gamecock fans are still asking are all about defense. The Cornerbacks were looking very questionable against NC State, with Ryan Finley throwing for 415 yards. The defensive line had a lackluster start to the game but came out the second half with new life ending the day with 4 sacks.
Before Gamecock fans hit the panic button, stop and remember who you have as your Head Coach . Muschamp is a defensive genius whose downfall as a HC in Florida was his lack of offensive production. This Gamecocks offense could end up being one of the best in school history which should be a relief to concerned fans. There is no doubt in my mind that Muschamp has what it takes as a coach to turn around a defense and make the adjustments to have them firing on all cylinders.
Here’s the bottom line, Missouri gave up 353 yards to Missouri State in a 72-43 victory for the Tigers. Muschamp will have his defense adjusted and ready to go like they showed in the second half against NC State. Jake Bentley and cast will have a productive Saturday night, scoring six touchdowns. The Gamecocks defense will bend throughout the game but they will never break to Drew Lock and the Tigers offense,
45-34 Gamecocks Win.
TIme/TV: Saturday, September 9, 7:00 PM on ESPN2
Where: Faurot Field, Columbia, Missouri