East Carolina Pirates vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Predictions and NCAA Football Betting Preview – September 6, 2014

The No. 9-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks had an explosive start to their season. However, they were on the wrong end of the explosion as they were dominated at home by Texas A&M. On the other hand, the East Carolina Pirates showed off their high-scoring offense to start their season on a high.

These two teams will face each other in a stacked second week of college football. Click here for more of the best games to watch (and bet on) in Week 2 of the NCAA. In the meantime, continue reading for our take on this intriguing match between the East Carolina Pirates and South Carolina Gamecocks. It will be a game you won’t want to miss.
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East Carolina Pirates vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview and Prediction

Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina

When: Saturday, September 6, 7:00 PM ET

Line: East Carolina Pirates (+16) at South Carolina Gamecocks (-16) – view all NCAA Football lines

Betting on the East Carolina Pirates

The East Carolina Pirates’ offense ranked eighth in the nation in points scored per game (40.2) last season, helping the total go over in eight of their 15 games. It was on point again in Week 1 as the Pirates destroyed North Carolina Central, 52-7, to kick start their season with a bang.

[sc:NCAA240banner ]Leading the offensive charge was quarterback Shane Carden, who went 26-for-37 for 283 yards and three touchdowns. The QB is on pace to match his impressive 2013 performance of a 70.5 percent completion rate for 4139 yards and 33 touchdowns (ahead of Johnny Manziel and 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston).

Benefitting the most from Carden’s passing game was sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Jones. The sophomore finished his first game of the season with 10 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. With an increase in targets, Jones is up for a breakout season after finishing with 62 receptions for 604 yards and five TDs last year.

Though currently unranked, the Pirates won’t be pushovers going against the South Carolina Gamecocks as they play a similar high-output passing game to the Texas A&M team who left them with a 52-28 loss in the Gamecocks’ season opener.

Still, despite their success, the Pirates will need to be at the top of their game when they take the road to challenge the Gamecocks. The Pirates were 4-2 SU on the road last season.

Betting on the South Carolina Gamecocks

The South Carolina Gamecocks certainly missed Jadeveon Clowney, their defensive superstar from 2013, as they were unable to stop Texas A&M in getting significant yardage (39 first downs with 12 third down and two fourth down conversions) over the course of their season-opening game. Nevertheless, the Gamecocks will look to bounce back at home, where they are 7-1 SU in their last eight games.

The 3-4 defense of defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward caused some concern for head coach Steve Spurrier as it was largely ineffective in the devastating loss. The same struggling defensive unit may be left helpless against the high-scoring offense of the Pirates, especially with the Gamecocks’ confidence still reeling after the humiliating loss.

Despite their defensive struggles, the Gamecocks have something bright to take away from their loss. Their offense was able to fire back, at least to some extent, to avoid a total blowout against the Aggies. QB Dylan Thompson completed 20-of-40 passes for 336 yards and four TDs, while WRs Nick Jones and Pharoh Cooper made the most of their combined eight receptions for 171 yards (averaging 21 yards per catch) and three TDs.

Yet, the offense could have to contend with a major loss. Last year’s leading running back Mike Davis (1,183 yards and 11 TDs on 203 carries) is doubtful to play against the Pirates due to a bruised rib. With a key player in their running game out, we may see a more one-dimensional attack out of the Gamecocks—something that East Carolina can definitely exploit.

The Gamecocks were 4-1 ATS in inter-conference games last season.

Writer’s Prediction

The South Carolina Gamecocks are upset yet again as the East Carolina Pirates (+16) record back-to-back wins.

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