SEC Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 7

Sep 26, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (11) and his teammates celebrate his score at Williams-Brice Stadium. South Carolina won 31-14 over UCF. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday October 17, 2015
• Time: 4PM Eastern
• Location: Columbia, SC
• TV Channel: SEC Network
• Spread: South Carolina -3
• Over/Under Total: 44.5

It’s been a tough couple of weeks in Columbia, South Carolina, and the most recent blow came when head coach Steve Spurrier resigned as head coach of the Gamecocks. There was plenty of speculation that this could be Spurrier’s last season on the sidelines (though the Head Ball Coach made a point to say he was not yet retiring), but the decision to step down in the middle of the year still came as a surprise to most.

Now, with Shawn Elliott taking over as interim head coach, the 2-4 Gamecocks must fight on to avoid the program’s first losing season since 2003. It won’t be easy, especially with four SEC games and Clemson still on the schedule, but this week’s clash with Vanderbilt is one of the more winnable matchups that remain.

Vandy is headed in the right direction following a two wins in their last three games, with the most recent being a 17-13 victory over Middle Tennessee two weeks ago. The Commodores have had an extra week to prepare for the trip to South Carolina, and though they have been inconsistent on offense the Vanderbilt defense has played extremely well this season, having allowed an average of 18.4 points and 320.8 total yards per game to date.

With so many distractions surrounding the Gamecocks, and with Vanderbilt capable of picking up the first conference victory, expect this to be a very close game. However, South Carolina is still the more talented team and is playing at home, so give the Gamecocks the edge.

Next: Florida at LSU