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South Carolina at North Carolina State Football Pick & Predictions

The South Carolina Gamecocks and the North Carolina State Wolfpack start off their 2009 campaigns on Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00 pm EST at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina and the game can be seen on ESPN. Last season, the Wolfpack were crushed 34-0 by the Gamecocks, but the football odds makers think the Pack will have their revenge and have listed N.C. State as a 5-point favorite with the total set at 46.

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The Ol’ Ball Coach enters his fifth season at South Carolina with hopes of soon elevating the team to elite status. The Gamecocks have won 28 games in four years, something that has only been done one other time in school history, and they have been bowling in three of the last four seasons. But, S.C. fans want more. Unfortunately, they may not get it this year as the Gamecocks are young and face a challenging schedule. After facing the Wolfpack, S.C. will take on Georgia on the road in Week 2 and No. 8 ranked Ole Miss to close out September.

The Gamecocks will put the ball in the hands of sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia. His talent is unquestioned, but his  on and off the field issues have impeded his progress. Last season he threw six touchdowns and was intercepted eight times while splitting time. This year, he is expected to run the show. He’ll look to get the ball to sure-handed tight end Wesleye Saunders and wide receivers Moe Brown and Jason Barnes, who combined for 57 grabs last season. The program is also excited about freshman running back Jarvis Giles.

Defensively, the Gamecocks should still be solid, but likely not as good as they were a season ago. Linebacker Eric Norwood, an All-SEC performer who led the team with nine sacks in 2008, leads the attack. The Gamecocks will have three defensive starters suspended this week, though.  If you think the Gamecocks have what it takes to beat the Wolfpack again this season, bet South Carolina at +5 at BetUS.

This battle looks to be shaping up as offense versus defense as 1st-team All-ACC quarterback Russell Wilson leads a Wolfpack team expected to put points on the board like they did down the home stretch last season. The offensive line will have to be huge for NC State in this one as protecting Wilson is a priority. He is a gifted player, but he’s no longer an under the radar guy. The running game figures to be very important to the Pack as they use it to prevent teams from keying on Wilson. That responsibility will fall on running back Toney Baker, who will get the start after losing two seasons to knee surgeries.

The quality of South Carolina’s passing attack was not very good last season, but that doesn’t mean the Gamecocks won’t continue to test the opposition through the air. The play of cornerbacks Koyel George and C.J. Wilson could very well decide this one for N.C. State.  If you think the Wolfpack have what it takes to avenge last season’s loss, bet North Carolina State at BetUS.

Need help picking winners? World Champion Handicapper Jimmy Boyd has your back with his expert football picks this week!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

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• 2009 South Carolina Football Predictions
• Michigan State vs. North Carolina: NCAA Championship Preview & Odds

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