North Carolina at South Carolina (-3), Thursday, 6 pm ET, ESPN
Kevin: I personally love that this game is becoming the unofficial kickoff to the season, and props to both of these teams for scheduling such a high profile game to open their seasons. Both teams welcome new Defensive Coordinators, but the fact that UNC’s is Gene Chizik is more important, as Steve Spurrier has never beaten a Gene Chizik defense. The Tarheels were downright abysmal at times last year, highlighted by a 70-41(!) loss to in-state “rival” East Carolina and South Carolina watched its own talented offense negated by a terrible defense. The stakes of this game can’t be understated, both coaches are desperate for a win here, and the public seems to trust Steve Spurrier with his back against the wall. I tend to agree, and while I like the South Carolina money line (-105 on Bovada) my pick is UNC +3.
John: Whoa. I can tell right away that Kevin and I will have different approaches this year. I was going on team unis and whatnot. Maybe which mascot could whoop the others’ ass. Though I will attempt to weave a loose thread of logic into my play. Last year, everyone expected a ton from the Gamecocks. This year, everyone seems to be writing them off. Young Spurrier was a better favorite. Older Spurrier’s a chippy son of a gun, so the slight plays in his favor. Lay the points and take the Gamecocks.
