2009 South Carolina Gamecocks College Football Predictions

2009 South Carolina Gamecocks Predictions
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Steve Spurrier, 5th year (28-22 at South Carolina, 170-62-2 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Steve Spurier (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Lorenzo Ward (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12, (5 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: Steve Spurrier has been looking for a starting quarterback since he arrived in Columbia. Sophomore Stephen Garcia (6-2, 219) might finally be the guy. Garcia was a big-time recruit who hasn’t been able to stay on the field due to legal trouble. He has a big arm and great mobility. The Gamecocks should be able to throw the ball, but the running game has to improve. They finished last in the conference last season, rushing for just 94.1 yards per game (112th in the nation). Freshman Jarvis Giles (5-11, 183) was unreal in the spring and will likely share duties with junior Brian Maddox (5-11, 224) to open the season. At receiver, they lose TE Jared Cook to the NFL and return talent, but little experience. Sophomore Jason Barnes (6-4, 199) provides the size and talent and now has to produce on the field. Up front, the Gamecocks return three of five starters, but must cut down on the 39 sacks they allowed last season. They added a new line coach in Eric Wolford, which can’t hurt.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed 21.1ppg (31st in the nation) and 291.9 yards per game (13th in the nation). Up front, they return three of four starters including big senior DT Nate Pepper (6-1, 300). They do lose LB Jasper Brinkley, but return senior LB Eric Norwood (6-1, 252), who led the team in sacks with nine and recorded 75 tackles last year. They also lose two key secondary members in CB Captain Munnerlyn and safety Emanuel Cook. They return just one starting secondary member in junior FS Chris Culliver.

Outlook: The Gamecocks open with a road game against NC State, then take on Georgia on the road. They also face Florida Atlantic and SC State at home-two gimmes. Getting Florida at home is a benefit and they also end the season with a tough non-conference game against Clemson. If Garcia can stay out of trouble, this should be a very productive and exciting offense. The defense is another story with all the losses, but they should be adequate. Anything less than a 7-6 season (last year’s record) will be extremely disappointing.

This SEC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com