Kentucky Wildcats (5-0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (4-1) -3.5, O/U No line 7:30 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, October 4, 2007 on ESPN.
by Jerald of Predictem.com
The Kentucky Wildcats will meet the South Carolina Gamecocks in this SEC East Division battle. Kentucky is a surprise unbeaten team that has moved up to #8 in the rankings. South Carolina has continued their steady improvement under Head Coach Steve Spurrier.
South Carolina defeated Kentucky last year 24-17 and has won the last 7 meetings between these 2 teams. They are also 7-0 against the spread in those games.
Kentucky is led by Senior QB Andre Woodson who has been spectacular this season completing 67.1% of his passes this season for 1,309 yards, 16 touchdowns and just 1 interception. The ground attack is led by Rafael Little who has rushed for 547 yards (6.7 yards per carry) and 3 touchdowns.
South Carolina is has used a platoon at QB with Freshman Chris Smelley and Senior Blake Mitchell. The Gamecocks prefer to move the ball on the ground with their tandem of backs who have combined for 650 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Kentucky ranks 13th in total offense with an average of 223.6 yards rushing (5.76 yards per rush) and 268.6 yards passing per game. They rank 5th in scoring offense averaging 46.6 points per game. The Gamecocks offense ranks 77th in total offense averaging 139.6 yards rushing (4.01 yards per carry) and 224.0 yards passing. South Carolina ranks 59th in scoring offense averaging 27.2 points per game.
The Wildcats defense ranks 68th in total defense giving up an average of 203.2 yards rushing (5.03 yards per carry) and 181.6 yards passing per game. They rank 43rd in scoring defense giving up an average of 22.0 points per game. South Carolina ranks 26th in total defense giving up 201.2 yards rushing (4.64 yards per carry) and 106.4 yards passing. They rank 16th in scoring defense giving up 15.6 points per game.
The Sagarin PREDICTOR ratings at USAToday.com rank the Wildcats 16th at 82.85. South Carolina ranks 17th at 86.72.
South Carolina opened up as a 3.5 point favorite at most sportsbooks with a total of 57.5. The line has stayed at South Carolina -3.5. At the time of this writing, the public was backing the Kentucky 57%-43%.
Jeralds Pick:
We look for the South Carolina dominance of Kentucky to continue as we predict another Gamecock win. We suggest a wager on the Gamecocks minus the points.
South Carolina 27 Kentucky 17