South Carolina Gamecocks vs. No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs Free Pick

Where: Sanford Stadium Athens, GA

TV: CBS

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: SC +28/UGA -28 (Get a 100% cash bonus with code PREDICTEM at BetUS!)

Moneyline: SC +2000/UGA -7500

Total: 55

The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs will get their first true challenge of the season this weekend when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks inside the hedges at Sanford Stadium. Through two games this season, Georgia has dismantled the likes of UT Martin (48-7) and Ball State (45-3) in expected fashion by dominating on the defensive side of the football. This week, the competition picks up with the start of SEC competition against a familiar foe, the Gamecocks.

Despite little notoriety, South Carolina and Georgia have been competitive rivals throughout their tenure in the SEC. In recent years, with the rise of the Bulldogs program to a national power under Head Coach Kirby Smart, the Gamecocks have not been nearly as competitive in this rivalry, with the exclusion of their upset against a 3rd ranked Georgia team in double overtime back in 2019. Since then, Georgia has won by decisive scores of 45-16, 40-13, and 48-7 over the last three meetings. On Saturday, the Bulldogs will host the Gamecocks as 28-point favorites as they continue to march towards a potential 3rd straight National Championship.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Georgia Bulldogs Betting Analysis

It is no secret that the Georgia Bulldogs have a big talent advantage over South Carolina. Head Coach Shane Beamer has done a great job at South Carolina in a relatively short time, but they are in a rebuilding season. The Gamecocks return QB Spencer Rattler, who has developed into a solid passer, but this game will be decided by the battle in the trenches. The Gamecocks offensive line was destroyed in the season-opening loss to North Carolina, and Georgia has an even more talented defensive front.

The Gamecocks have failed to establish any reliable threat in the running game through two games this season. In fact, Dakereon Joyner leads the team in rushing with just 65 yards. For those who are not familiar with that name, Joyner has spent his career as a utility player and backup quarterback. The fact that he has been moved into the backfield for his senior season should tell you all you need to know about the talent at the skill positions for South Carolina. Needless to say, I think this will be a game where Rattler is scrambling for his life throughout 60 minutes of play, and I doubt South Carolina finds much success on the offensive side of the football.

That said, Georgia still has a relatively large number to cover in the 28 points. So far this season, QB Carson Beck has shown to be an efficient replacement for former standout Stetson Bennett at the quarterback position. The Bulldogs rely on a heavy running game and use their rushing success to exploit opportunities down the field in the passing game, which is essentially the same philosophy that Smart learned under Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban. I think that formula is going to work well this weekend against an inferior and smaller defensive front in South Carolina. Expect running backs Kendall Milton and Roderick Robinson to set the tone and keep the offensive moving forward behind a stellar Bulldogs offensive front.

Texas Longhorns vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends

• South Carolina has hit the “over” in four of the last five games.
• South Carolina is 1-7 SU in the last eight games against Georgia.
• South Carolina has hit the “over” in 12 of the last 15 games on the road.
• South Carolina is 4-2 ATS in the last six games against SEC opponents.
• Georgia has hit the “over” in four of the last six games.
• Georgia has hit the “over” in seven of the last ten games against South Carolina.
• Georgia is 5-2 ATS in the last seven games against SEC opponents.
• Georgia is 19-0 SU in the last 19 games at home.

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South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Georgia Bulldogs Betting Prediction

This South Carolina team has not impressed through 2 games this season, but they find ways to be competitive. I think that will likely be the case in this game if they can avoid turnovers. The road team has covered the last seven games between South Carolina and Georgia. While I’m not confident in South Carolina covering, I do believe the Gamecocks can get some stops and make things difficult for the Bulldogs offense, which has not exactly impressed thus far. As a result, I’m taking the under as the best play in this match-up!
Jay’s Pick: Take the under 55