South Carolina football: 3 bold predictions for week 2

Bold predictions for South Carolina football

Gamecocks record 3+ turnovers

South Carolina’s defense was downright dominant last weekend, holding the Eastern Illinois offensive attack to just 109 total yards and no points. It was the first shutout for the Gamecocks in more than a decade.

Along with pitching that shutout, the defense was able to turn the Panthers over twice with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a score by defensive end Jordan Burch. That number could’ve been three had it not been for an offsides penalty overturning what would have been Jaylan Foster’s second pick of the evening.

East Carolina will likely be aggressive and try to throw the ball around the yard on Saturday as the passing attack is the offense’s strongest asset. Veteran quarterback Holton Ahlers is talented, but he’s been known to make mistakes. While he’s thrown for more than 7,300 yards in his career, the lefty has also tossed 20 interceptions over his last 21 games. Only one of those matchups came against Power Five competition.

Expect the Gamecocks to play aggressively on defense, putting some pressure on Ahlers and the offensive attack. A solid pass rush should help, and forcing the Pirates into a few mistakes will go a long way in securing a victory.