South Carolina football is gearing up for its inaugural season under head coach Shane Beamer, and while he’s created a positive buzz around campus following a disappointing 2-8 season, expectations remain low for the Gamecocks.
Most projections see the team winning anywhere between three and five games, meaning South Carolina is more than likely to see its third consecutive losing campaign.
The Gamecocks do return some talent at running back, defensive line, and tight end, but there are holes elsewhere. Luke Doty will take over as quarterback full-time after making two starts in 2020. The team is still looking for a wide receiver to step up and help out the passing attack. On defense, there are question marks at both linebacker and in the secondary.
Making things more difficult is yet another brutal schedule, so it could be tough sledding for South Carolina in 2021.
All of the uncertainty has Vegas setting the Gamecocks’ projected win total pretty low.
South Carolina football win total odds
WynnBET sportsbook’s most recent lines have the total set at just 3.5 victories, one of the lowest totals from a Power Five program. While the total is low, the odds (-140) favor the Gamecocks winning at least four games. That means placing a $140 bet on South Carolina would net $100.
On the flip side, the odds that the Gamecocks don’t reach that four-win mark are set at +130. Should you place that, a $100 bet would win you $130 if the team wins three games or less.
Personally, I think there’s value in banking on Shane Beamer to eclipse the 3.5-win total in his first season on the sidelines. His squad should be favored in at least four games – Eastern Illinois, East Carolina, Troy, and Vanderbilt. Throw in toss-up contests versus Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Auburn, and a path to four wins is in sight.
The Gamecocks will try to take their first step in beating Vegas’s mark when they welcome Eastern Illinois to Williams-Brice Stadium on September 4th. Be sure to check out WynnBET for the latest betting lines, odds, and previews for the upcoming season.