Perhaps the worst thing about being a college football bettor is watching the outcome of a game swing in one direction because of a bad call. If you had Arkansas on the moneyline last Saturday against Auburn, you’re probably still in a dizzying state of sleepless nights coupled, with unexpected counseling sessions, to deal with your newfound lifelong anger issues.
What was a clear fourth-quarter fumble by Tigers quarterback Bo Nix was inexplicably ruled an incomplete pass, thus allowing Auburn to kick a game-winning field goal and escape Fayetteville with a 30-28 victory.
Our NCAA free picks and predictions can’t rely on that sort of officiating luck — and neither can Auburn — with college football odds seeing the Tigers opening up as small favorites on Saturday.
Here are our picks for No. 14 Auburn at South Carolina, an SEC conference clash set for 12:00 ET on October 17.
Auburn Tigers vs South Carolina Gamecocks betting preview
Weather
The forecast looks just fine for Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday. Expect a high of 77 degrees with wind out of the west-northwest at 7 mph and a small 6 percent chance of precipitation. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key Injuries
Auburn: Seth Williams WR (Questionable), Daniel Foster-Allen DE (Questionable), Jay Hardy DE (Questionable), Jaylin Simpson DB (Questionable), Shaun Shivers RB (Questionable), Eli Stove WR (Questionable), Big Kat Bryant DE (Questionable), Austin Troxell OL (Questionable).
South Carolina: Jaheim Bell TE (Questionable), Hunter Rogers LS (Questionable), Jahmar Brown LB (Questionable), Will Rogers OL (Questionable), Jaylin Dickerson DB (Questionable), Keir Thomas DL (Questionable).
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Gamecocks are 4-1 ATS in their last five after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Find more NCAA football betting trends for Auburn vs. South Carolina.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
Playing on the road in the SEC is always a challenge, and now Auburn faces the task of meeting a South Carolina team coming off its first win of the season. The Tigers are synonymous with quarterback Bo Nix, but the sophomore hasn’t been as consistent as we expected. He’s thrown for 497 yards, five touchdowns, and one pick, leaning more towards average than amazing.
Nothing helps your team “get right” like a matchup against Vanderbilt, and it was South Carolina’s turn last Saturday. The Gamecocks exploded for a 41-7 win in Nashville, with 31 of their points coming in the second half. Carolina was more than happy to let running back Kevin Harris carry the load and he rewarded his team with 171 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Will Muschamp’s defense did its part against Vandy, holding the Commodores to 249 total yards, and I expect another strong performance on Saturday against an Auburn team that has been a disappointment thus far.
PREDICTION: South Carolina +3.5 (-125)
Over/Under pick
With all the talk about Nix, it’s easy to look past Auburn’s Tank Bigbsy and his 146 yards on the ground against Arkansas. The Tigers need another strong performance from their workhorse, while South Carolina will want to control time of possession.
This game feels like a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair, and while the trends don’t necessarily favor the Under, that side is 7-3 in Auburn’s last ten games played on grass.
PREDICTION: Under 50 (-110)
First half pick
South Carolina came alive in the final two quarters against Vanderbilt. Energized by an easy win and back in the comforts of Williams-Brice Stadium, let’s bet on the Gamecocks getting off to a quick start at home. And if you’re still upset about that Razorbacks bet, I hope you get some sleep.
PREDICTION: South Carolina first half team total Over 10.5 (+101)
Auburn vs South Carolina betting card
- South Carolina +3.5 (-125)
- Under 50 (-110)
- South Carolina first half team total Over 10.5 (+101)
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