South Carolina vs. Arkansas: Razorbacks' Offense Will Dominate Gamecocks

There is more than one monumental game this weekend in the SEC.

In another game featuring two Top 10 teams, No. 10 South Carolina is heading to Arkansas to take on the No. 8 Razorbacks in a game that will dictated by explosive offenses.

Expect the Razorbacks to prevail.

Arkansas' Tyler Wilson has thrown a school-record 176 passes without an interception, which is tied for the sixth-longest streak in SEC history. The streak spans 18-plus quarters, going back to the Alabama game.

It’s an incredible achievement at the college level, and proof that this kid “gets it.”

His team leads the SEC in passing, is second in total offense and third in scoring. Don’t pay attention to the one-game suspension of receiver/kick returner Marquel Wade; he has fewer than 70 yards receiving on the season.

With a bevy of capable running backs who are rotated in and out to stay fresh, it’s hard to imagine a mediocre Gamecocks defense getting in the way.

Offensively, SC took a huge hit with the release of QB Stephen Garcia. His ability to make things happen, both through the air and on the ground, made him almost impossible to contain.

Now that Connor Shaw is at the helm, the offense has sputtered considerably.

While Shaw may be completing 62.5 percent of his passes, his 6.06 yards per attempt pale in comparison to Garcia (7.15). He doesn’t take as many risks with the ball, and that will lead to trouble against an aggressive defense like the Razorbacks'.

Shaw tucks the ball and runs almost too often, registering 56 carries compared to 96 passing attempts. His 3.1 yards per carry leave a lot to be desired.

Without Heisman candidate Marcus Lattimore, it’s up to superstar receiver Alshon Jeffery to pick up the slack.

But considering he has to rely on Shaw, don’t bet on it. The Gamecocks' offense has registered 14 points in the last two outings.

South Carolina, however, should be able to run the ball against a Razorbacks team that was gashed for 222 yards on the ground last week against upstart Vandy.

With Arkansas having the big advantage on offense and South Carolina holding a slight edge on defense, I’ll take the home team with the better advantage.

Prediction: Arkansas 34, South Carolina 26