South Carolina vs NC State: 3 things to watch in season opener

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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images) /

2. Finley vs Bentley

Both Ryan Finley and Jake Bentley are quarterbacks with ceilings still rising in the college game. As a transfer from Boise State, Finley threw for 3,059 yards on 243-of-402 passing and had 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The quarterback on the other side, Jake Bentley, had a great start to his career. In seven games last year, Bentley threw for 1,420 yards on 125-of-190 passing and had nine touchdowns and only four interceptions.

Both quarterbacks are very talented but neither one of these quarterbacks and their offenses would be as great without their main offensive weapon.

Samuel vs. Samuels

In the Garnet and Black corner, we have Deebo Samuel. The 6-foot, 200-pound do-it-all wide receiver is the home run hitter for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Last year, he had 59 receptions, 783 yards and one receiving touchdown. Also, add in his 98 yards on the ground and six more trips to the end zone.

And in the Red and White corner, we have Jaylen Samuels. The 5-foot-11, 223-pound H-back is the catalyst to the NC State Wolfpack offensive attack. In 2016, Samuels had 55 catches, 565 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. On the ground, he had 189 yards on 33 carries and added six touchdowns.

Look for Finley and Bentley to find anyway to get the ball into their top targets’ hands.

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