Missouri
vs.
South Carolina
College Football
Pick with Analysis
9/27/14
South Carolina, already playing in its Fourth SEC Game, faces Missouri, who will be playing in its first SEC Game. The immediate question from that statement is if Missouri is ready for SEC play. The Gamecocks have had Four difficult Games already, while the Tigers just lost at home to Indiana. The Gamecocks are still only -5 point favorites at home in this one at sportsbook.ag
After Missouri’s 3-0 start, many people were already saying this team was as good as last year’s version that went on to win the SEC East. However, losing at home to Indiana as two-touchdown favorites is not a good result. Their three wins don’t mean a whole lot now, especially entering the SEC season.
South Carolina has had a much harder Schedule, but has the same 3-1 record. After losing at home to Texas A&M, the Gamecocks have gotten things under control beating a tough East Carolina squad, Georgia, and then escaping at Vanderbilt (which Steve Spurrier wasn’t happy about).
These teams had a memorable Game last season with South Carolina coming back from 17-0 to win 27-24 in double overtime with the help of Connor Shaw. Due to injuries, Dylan Thompson and Maty Mauk (this year’s starters) both started that Game, but Shaw finished for the Gamecocks. USC couldn’t really run the ball in that Game, and that will be something they’ll have to do here with Thompson at quarterback.
Mike Davis (264 yards) and Brandon Wilds (210 yards) have been okay this season for USC, but still haven’t been extremely successful. In his first season as a full-time starter, Thompson has looked good for the most part with 1,140 yards, 11 TDs and 3 INTs. He has a number of receivers that he can target, and that could be problematic for Missouri.
The Tigers are stout at stopping the run, so that will be their first task. If that’s the case, it’ll be up to Thompson to win it.
The other end is fairly similar and the main reason this line isn’t bigger is because South Carolina’s defense has not been good this year. For starters, they are giving up 36 points per Game.
Missouri scored an un-impressive 27 points against Indiana, but has the team to move the ball on USC and most defenses. Mauk is a solid quarterback with 978 yards, 14 TDs and 4 INTs, but could work on his completion percentage. Much like Thompson, Mauk spreads the ball out well to his receivers. Missouri probably has a better running Game as well with Russell Hansbrough (377 yards, 3 TDs) and Marcus Murphy (215 yards) coming out of the backfield.
Missouri may have been looking ahead to this week’s Game in their loss to Indiana because this is a team that can fight. They have the weapons and ability to stay close with a team like South Carolina. And since the Gamecocks don’t have much on the defensive end, Mauk and company can stay in striking distance.
The Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road Games, 4-1 ATS in their last five Conference Games and 13-4-1 ATS in their last 18 overall. The Gamecocks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. a team with a winning record and 4-1 ATS in their last five Games following an ATS loss. In the two meetings since Missouri joined the SEC, the Gamecocks have won and covered both Games.
Check back on Friday afternoon for pick on this Game providing we don’t use it as a Key Release!