North Carolina @ South Carolina preview
Bank of America Stadium
Last Meeting ( Aug 29, 2013 ) North Carolina 10, South Carolina 27
Wait and see has been the mantra of South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier leading up to his inexperienced team’s season-opener. The waiting is almost over, and the Gamecocks will see what they have when they take on border-rival North Carolina on Thursday in Charlotte, N.C.
The Gamecocks are counting on a number of unproven players — especially on offense — as they try to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 season. “We just have so many unknown players,” Spurrier told reporters. “Some players are very good when the lights come on and there are people in the stands, and some other players don’t perform all that well. We just have to wait and see.” North Carolina also hopes to rebound after its first losing season since 2007 as the Tar Heels begin their fourth season under coach Larry Fedora. The Gamecocks have won five of the past six meetings, including a 27-10 victory in the most recent clash to open the 2013 season.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: South Carolina -2
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (2014: 6-7): The Tar Heels return just about everyone on offense, including quarterback Marquise Williams, who led the team in passing (3,068 yards) and rushing (788 yards) a year ago. Williams has a bevy of dangerous receivers at his disposal, including Ryan Switzer (61 catches, 757 yards, 4 TDs), Mack Hollins (35 catches, 613 yards, 8 TDs) and Quinshad Davis (41 catches, 470 yards, 6 TDs). The questions, though, are on defense, where new coordinator Gene Chizik hopes to overhaul one of a nation’s worst units from 2014.
ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (2014: 7-6): The Gamecocks will have an entirely different look on offense, where they return only four starters and will have a new quarterback in sophomore Connor Mitch. Mitch saw limited action last season but was heavily-recruiting coming out of high school in Raleigh, N.C. and will be surrounded by some weapons including receiver Pharaoh Cooper and running back Brandon Wilds. Spurrier expects the defense to be much improved with eight returning starters, including three along the defensive line.
EXTRA POINTS
1. South Carolina had its string of 14 consecutive season-opening wins snapped last season when a loss to Texas A&M dropped Spurrier to 23-2 all-time in openers.
2. North Carolina allowed 84 plays of 20 yards or more last season, second-most in the nation (New Mexico, 93).
3. South Carolina will wear a helmet sticker throughout the season commemorating the nine victims of the June 17 church shooting in Charleston, S.C.
PREDICTION: South Carolina 34, North Carolina 31