South Carolina at Mississippi St – Preview and Prediction
MISSISSIPPI ST 6.5 S CAROLINA (44.5)
Implied Projected Score: Mississippi St 25.5 South Carolina 19
MEGALOCKS LINE – Mississippi St 5
The Game
Interesting contrast. South Carolina is coming off a dramatic last minute win over conference rival Vanderbilt. Mississippi St, on the other hand, is coming off a quasi-humiliating home defeat at the hands of the JUGGERNAUT South Alabama Jaguars. The Bulldogs have LSU on deck. They probably do not want to start 0-2.
The Match-Up
Mississippi St offense vs South Carolina defense
Week one was a bit concerning. QB Damian Williams and 5-8 165 RB Brandon Holloway were pretty much the entire offense. WR Fred Ross is a proven 1,000 yard target and was pretty much shut down. Williams is a fine run/pass threat but a bit weak on the “pass” part. Given the way it appears South Carolina is going to play defense under HC Will Muschamp it is imperative that Mississippi St get TDs in the red zone and does not turn the ball over. #HotTake
South Carolina offense vs Mississippi St. defense
It looks like Perry Orth will get the start at QB. Or at least he will receive significant snaps. He is a very capable game manager and provides some spark in the passing game. Brandon McIlwain provides a more athletic option but is less polished when it comes to MATRICULATING in the passing game. Freshman WR Bryan Edwards looks like a keeper after his week one performance (8 receptions – 101 yards). RB A.J. Turner was RB-1 last week with 70 yards on 13 carries. Not sure if there is anything explosive about this offense but they have enough versatility to keep the chains moving.
Tasty Tidbits
South Carolina has not lost to Mississippi St this century….Not saying just saying….The Gamecocks are also 6-1 ATS L7 vs the Bulldogs….Don’t look now but S Carolina has E Carolina and Kentucky on deck could they possibly start 4-0 ??…..The Bulldogs are 22-7 at home the last four seasons but just 4-4 in their last 8 games including last week’s upset.
Summary
This just might be a replay of last week’s South Carolina / Vanderbilt game. Then again, it is hard to know for sure because the Commodores offense may just be putrid. Back to this game. We think there is a bit of value with the dog but there are so many new faces on the Gamecocks’ squad they are a bit hard to trust right now. Mississippi St will be in a world of hurt if they lose this match-up.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: Leanage to the under as well as the underdog. Need to do a bit more digging.