South Carolina football: Predicting the Gamecocks final record
By Jacob Elsey
Predicting South Carolina football’s final record
Troy Trojans, Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
South Carolina will look to extend that home winning streak to three in a matchup with the Troy Trojans in week five. Like its previous out-of-conference opponents, the Gamecocks should be able to out-talent the Trojans in Williams-Brice Stadium.
Troy has a knack for knocking off the big boys. They’ve taken down LSU and Nebraska in recent years, but won just five games last season. The Trojans could see some success on offense under head coach Chip Lindsey, but a defense that allowed 17 rushing touchdowns in 2020 won’t be able to slow the Gamecocks’ rushing attack.
The Gamecocks may be tested early, but should be able to put up enough points to leave with a win.
W (4-1)
Tennessee Volunteers, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
The Gamecocks don’t typically play well in Knoxville. Since joining the SEC, the program is just 3-11 at Neyland Stadium. This matchup has been historically close, with just one of the last nine meetings being decided by more than a touchdown. Six of those nine were won by just a field goal or less.
Tennessee, like South Carolina, is being led by a new coaching regime. They lost more production to the transfer portal than any other team in America, and will struggle mightily in the upcoming season. Both of the Vols’ top running back options are gone, one to Oklahoma and the other to North Carolina. Star linebacker Henry To’o To’o is off to rival Alabama. Tennessee must replace its quarterback and a few talented secondary members, too.
Still, it doesn’t seem to matter the circumstances leading into this matchup, the game always seems to come down to the wire. Until South Carolina can prove to be consistently successful in Knoxville, we’ll chalk it up as a loss.
L (4-2)