South Carolina vs. UMass Prediction, Game Preview
South Carolina vs. UMass prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Gamecocks and Minutemen.
South Carolina vs. UMass prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Gamecocks and Minutemen.
South Carolina vs. UMass Game Preview
When: Saturday, October 22 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
TV Broadcast: SEC Network
If smart, South Carolina would have spent its entire bye week working on the offense. The Gamecocks are No. 126 (out of 128) in total offense, averaging a paltry 304.5 yards per game. Think that is bad? South Carolina is last in the FBS in points per game, scoring 14 per game.
UMass isn’t much better, averaging just 19.7 points and 317.3 points per game. Don’t expect the scoreboard operator to be too busy during this one.
What To Know About South Carolina
In the loss against Georgia two weeks ago, quarterback Perry Orth was able to throw for some yards (288), but never found the end zone and threw an interception. The rushing attack was pure horrific, gaining only 30 rushing yards. For this team to have any success, it must find some sort of offensive rhythm.
The defense has actually kept the Gamecocks in games, but with all of the time spent on the field, it wears down. Linebacker T.J. Holloman has been a stud, recording 35 total tackles with 22 being solo.
What to Know About UMass
The Minutemen lost, but Andrew Ford resembled a quarterback of sorts against Louisiana Tech, throwing three touchdowns and 268 yards. He will have much more trouble going against the South Carolina defense that is allowing only 173 passing yards per game.
The UMass defense has been getting ripped to shreds lately, giving up 468.6 yards per game, but will have success against the Gamecocks who haven’t been able to do anything.
Advantages
Offense: Tie. Both offenses are ugly to watch.
Defense: South Carolina. Defense has played extremely well under new coach Will Muschamp.
Special Teams: South Carolina. UMass kickers are just 1-for-4 on FG attempts this season.
Coaching: South Carolina. He has a rebuilding job in front of him, but Muschamp has a second shot at coaching in the SEC.
Intangibles: South Carolina. To make this season not be a total disaster, the Gamecocks have to win this one.
Matchup To Watch
South Carolina crowd vs. Own Team
South Carolina fans have been patient before, but has the success of the past decade spoiled them? We shall see if the offense once again starts to sputter.
South Carolina vs. UMass Betting Odds
Spread: South Carolina -20.5
Over/Under: 46
South Carolina vs. UMass Prediction
Both offenses are bad, so don’t expect a high-scoring affair in Columbia. The Gamecocks have more overall talent, and the defense is holding steady in spite of the offense ineptitude. South Carolina will put some points on the board and UMass will struggle in a big way against the SEC-caliber defense. Gamecocks get a win.
South Carolina vs. UMass Score Prediction: South Carolina 24, UMass 10
