SEC football predictions, Week 5: Will Ole Miss or UK remain perfect?
South Carolina State (1-2) at South Carolina (2-2)
How to watch: Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. on SECN
Things may be a little wonky in this game with the players having to prepare and travel on short notice and sooner than anticipated, due to Hurricane Ian likely impacting the Carolinas this weekend.
This is just the kind of game that newcomer Spencer Rattler needs to sort of reset after a really shaky start to his tenure at South Carolina. He’s had to face two ranked teams in his first three games, which certainly didn’t help, but even against two Group of Five teams, he struggled. Rattler threw one touchdown and two picks in the season opener vs Georgia State and didn’t throw a touchdown or interceptions vs Charlotte last week.
The Junior is hovering just above a 62 percent completion rate so far this season and has thrown nearly three times as many interceptions (5) as he has touchdowns (2).
Fortunately for Rattler and the Gamecocks, they’ll be facing a team in South Carolina State that has allowed 35+ points per game so far this season. It’s the perfect opportunity to allow him to get into a rhythm and settle in at the position before a grueling second-half schedule that will see them face four teams currently ranked No. 17 or better.
This is an important game for the Gamecocks and I think they’ll deliver a big win this Thursday.