South Carolina Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

South Carolina football is aiming for bigger things in coach Will Muschamp’s second year in Columbia in 2017.

South Carolina could be on the upswing in the SEC East. They haven’t had a conference record above .500 since 2013, but the Gamecocks look to change that this year. When Steve Spurrier unexpectedly resigned midway through the 2015 season, it shocked most of the Carolina faithful. Spurrier also did not leave the cupboard stocked with talent, so when Will Muschamp took over in 2016, who could fault him for the mediocre performance in his first year.

In 2016, the Gamecocks were pretty atrocious on offense, finishing dead last in the SEC in scoring with 20.8 points per game. However there is optimism surrounding quarterback Jake Bentley. He took over the starting duties midway through the 2016 season and injected some life into a stagnant offense. He’s one of the best young quarterbacks in the nation.

Between Bentley leading an improved offense and Muschamp’s defensive mind, the Gamecocks’ stock is rising. Let’s take a look at their 2017 schedule and dole out some game-by-game predictions.

The season opener against NC State on a neutral field is a toss-up game. The Gamecocks must win to get their season started on the right foot. Interesting fact that South Carolina has lost only one season opening game this century, which was 2015’s opener against Texas A&M.

Last season was a season of ups and downs for the Wolfpack. They finished with a 7-6 record and a bowl win against Vanderbilt in the Independence Bowl. The close losses against Clemson and Florida State haunted them and prevented the year from being even better.

Twenty two seniors return this year and NC State has a very good defense, especially their front seven. Some are even projecting the Wolfpack to make some noise this season in the ACC and a darkhorse to win the Atlantic.

This will be a battle of defenses as the Gamecock defense is looking to be good in their own right. Both teams will be feeling each other out with the first action of the season where they won’t be hitting their own teammates. Not sure either team will top the 300-yard mark of total offense.

The game will be tied late at 17 each when Jake Bentley will lead the Gamecocks on one final drive for a game winning field goal.

Final: NC State 17, South Carolina 20 (1-0)