But enough about those teams—let's focus on the Gamecocks, who may surprise some people this year. South Carolina returns 17 total starters, seven on the offensive side and 10 on the defensive side.
The defense for the Gamecocks will be very strong and must stay strong for the Gamecocks to hold any value in the tough SEC. The Gamecocks will be led on defense by LB Jasper Brinkley (first team All-SEC, 2006) and Rodney Paulk.
All of the Gamecocks' secondary will return, and the defense will be in the top 10 in the nation in passing yards allowed. CB Captain Munnerlyn (first team All-SEC) and FS Emmanuel Cook will look to make big plays with interceptions and fumble recoveries and contribute to the defense’s success.
On the offensive side of the ball, QB Chris Smelley will need to step up and fill the void left by Blake Mitchell. Although Smelley and Mitchell split time last year, both struggled at points in their given time to perform. WR Kenny McKinley has the best talent of any WR in the nation and will try to make Smelley’s job easier with acrobatic catches.
The toughest task on the year for South Carolina will be the trip to Gainesville, FL and the Swamp in the second-to-last game of the year. The Gamecocks catch a break this year as they host Arkansas, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee.
The Gamecocks' success relies heavily on Smelley—if he moves the chains, look for the Gamecocks to move up in the polls.
Projected Record: 10-3 (two games over assigned total)
3. Fresno State
Over/Under Odds: 8.5 wins
In the 12 years as the head coach of Fresno State's football program, Pat Hill has never won the WAC conference title. This is the year Hill gets his title, as 10 offensive starters return to a team that finished 9-4 last year and knocked off a talented Georgia Tech team in the Humanitarian Bowl.
Led by QB Tommy Brandstater and potent RB Ryan Mathews (900 yards, 14 TDs), the Bulldogs will put up points in bunches. WRs Marion Moore, Bear Pascoe, and Seyi Ajirotutu can all make game-changing plays.
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