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2008 South Carolina Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

The Gamecocks missed out on a bowl in 2007 as they were only able to compile a 3-5 SEC record. The offensive line figures to be one glaring problem, but perhaps the defensive side of the ball can atone for the offensive struggles. Find out if Jimmy Boyd has the Gamecocks bowl bound and where they fit in the SEC this year in his 2008 South Carolina Gamecocks predictions and season preview.

Offense

Steve Spurrier, one of the better QB coaches across the country, needs a QB for his system. Redshirt frosh Stephen Garcia looked to be the guy, but off-the-field issues will keep him on the shelf until mid-August. Incoming freshman Aramis Hillary likely won’t master the system in time. This leaves Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher to fight it out for the starting job. Neither one will be the savior for the Gamecocks this season, but Smelley does have a 4-2 mark as a starter. However, Beecher is more nimble and that could give him the edge because the offensive line is in sad shape. The offensive line gave up 31 sacks in 12 games last season. All but one starter returns, so we should be able to expect at least a slight improvement because of the experience gained last year. The Gamecocks are deep at receiver, but that might not mean much if the QB’s are running for their lives again this season. Kenny McKinley leads the way. He caught an SEC-high 77 balls last season. Replacing Cory Boyd at tailback will be no easy task. That will likely fall on the shoulders of Mike Davis who is talented but unproven.

Defense

The Gamecocks bring back 10 starters on this side of the ball and this is where they will have to win ball games. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, safety Emanuel Cook, and defensive end Eric Norwood were all three All-SEC selections as sophomores. Great defensive line depth will allow the Gamecocks to move Norwood from end to linebacker. He will still be in the down position in passing situations, but they will also be able to utilize him more against the run. This is the idea of new defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. Spurrier got rid of Tyron Nix after South Carolina lost five in a row to finish the year and looked atrocious against Arkansas and Florida. Defensive end Cliff Matthews should have a big sophomore season and tackle Ladi Ajiboye should be poised to bust out also after a three-sack season as a frosh.

Special Teams

I can’t believe it’s taking a new special teams coach to finally make this move. It should have been done a long time ago. The Gamecocks will finally hand over the punting duties to someone else so that Ryan Succop doesn’t have to punt, place kick, and kickoff. This should keep his leg stronger for kicks.

Prediction – 4th in SEC East

Look for the Gamecocks to be the fourth place team in the SEC East this season. Their defense will keep them in most games so if they win some close ones they should be bowling. I like the Gamecocks against Kentucky and Vanderbilt, but they will struggle against Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.

Check out all of Jimmy Boyd’s college football predictions articles to get a head start on the upcoming season. Jimmy Boyd does his homework before the season starts so he can dominate the college football lines from day one. For the most consistent NCAA football picks in the industry all year long, make sure you’re doing your betting on football with the help of Jimmy Boyd.

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