South Carolina Looks to Upset High-Flying Ole Miss in SEC Showdown
This Saturday, October 5th, Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina will be rocking as the Gamecocks host the Ole Miss Rebels in a crucial SEC matchup. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM EST, and the game promises to be a high-scoring affair.
The Line: Ole Miss enters as a -9.5 point road favorite, with the total set at 53.5. (MyBookie)
The Matchup:
Both teams come into this game with just one loss, their only losses coming against tough SEC opponents. South Carolina fell to LSU in a shootout, 36-33, while Ole Miss suffered a 20-17 upset at the hands of Kentucky last week. This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2020, a game Ole Miss won convincingly, 59-42.
Ole Miss Offense vs. South Carolina Defense:
Ole Miss boasts the No. 2 passing offense in the nation, averaging a staggering 390.4 yards per game. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been exceptional, completing 77.4% of his passes for 1,815 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. The Rebels also run the second-fastest offense South Carolina will face this season, averaging 71.8 plays per game. This high-powered attack will test a Gamecocks defense that has shown vulnerability at times.
South Carolina Offense vs. Ole Miss Defense:
The Gamecocks offense will be led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who is expected to return from an ankle injury after utilizing the bye week to recover. Sellers’ dual-threat ability adds another dimension to the South Carolina attack. They’ll need to be firing on all cylinders to keep pace with Ole Miss’s offensive firepower.
Key Factors:
- Strength of Schedule: Ole Miss’s 4-0 start came against weaker opponents, raising questions about their true strength. Their loss to Kentucky exposed some vulnerabilities. South Carolina, with a solid win against Kentucky (31-6), might have the blueprint to slow down the Rebels.
- Home Field Advantage: Williams-Brice Stadium is known for its electric atmosphere, and the home crowd could provide a significant boost for the Gamecocks.
- Turnovers: In a game that could be high-scoring, winning the turnover battle will be crucial.
The Pick:
Handicapping early-season college football can be tricky, but South Carolina getting a very generous spot here is the way to go. They’ve shown they can compete with top SEC teams, they have home-field advantage, and they’ve had extra time to prepare. We’ll take the Gamecocks at +9.5 here.
Prediction: South Carolina 31, Ole Miss 27