South Carolina offense can outscore Kent State by 30-plus points, per Las Vegas odds

The South Carolina Gamecocks are almost a month out from the 2026 season beginning. On Sept. 5, South Carolina will open the season at home against Kent State. After a 4-8 season in Columbia, sixth-year head coach Shane Beamer is eager to start fresh in a new season. 

In the Gamecocks' home opener, South Carolina fans will get their first look at Kendal Briles' new offense. The former longtime TCU offensive coordinator has high expectations to score a lot of points, especially as star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is also returning. 

The Las Vegas odds makers have released odds for most of college football's Week 1 matchups, including South Carolina vs. Kent State. Per the latest odds from Draft Kings, the Gamecocks are listed as a 34.5-point favorite. The over/under is listed at 51.5, so the oddsmakers expect it to be a relatively high-scoring affair. 

Obviously South Carolina being big home favorites against Kent State isn't all that surprising. The Golden Flashes have had losing seasons in each of the last four seasons, compiling an 11-37 overall record. The program is led by second-year head coach Mark Carney, who finished 5-7 last year with the Golden Flashes. 

During a recent media availability on Thursday evening, Coach Beamer said he feels confident in Briles' ability to install the new system this year.  

"In the winter, when Coach Briles and the staff got in here in January and we came back for the spring semester, we were able to get out there and immediately start doing football stuff with them from an offensive standpoint," Beamer said via Gamecock Central. "And then, you have 15 spring practices, where you really get a feel for where we are, what we’re good at, where we maybe aren’t as good at.

“The summertime is huge, too. We’ve gotten a lot of work done this summer on the field with the players, Kendal and the offensive staff."     

South Carolina's first game of the 2026 season will kick off at 12:45 p.m. ET, and air live on SEC Network.  

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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