2011 College Football Predictions: South Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Football Predictions, Picks, Odds and Schedule

2011 South Carolina Gamecocks College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – South Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Football Preview: When Steve Spurrier left the NFL and decided to return to the world of college football as the head coach for South Carolina, Gamecock Nation had visions of national titles and the fun-and-gun offense that Spurrier patented in his time at Florida. While South Carolina immediately improved under the old ball coach, the Gamecocks struggled to establish themselves among the elite of the Southeastern Conference. They took a big step in the right direction last season when South Carolina won the SEC East. Entering the 2011-12 season, Spurrier and company have their eyes on a conference crown and maybe more.

Despite the success last year, the season ended on a sour note. The Gamecocks were demolished by Auburn in the SEC title game and lost to Florida State in their bowl game. The end result was a 9-5 record that masked what was otherwise a strong season. That being said, the late season losses also served as proof that the Gamecocks have yet to take the next step, and that is what they will try to change this season.

While questions remain about who will be under center, the South Carolina offense still has two very dangerous weapons. Sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore may be the best in the conference, and maybe even the nation. He was incredible as a true freshman, serving as the team’s workhorse in the tough SEC, finishing drives at the goal line, and catching balls out of the backfield. Lattimore was so impressive that he enters this year as one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Torphy.

As good as Lattimore is carrying the ball, wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey is just as deadly through the air. Jeffrey went for more than 1,500 yards last season, moving the chains and burning corners deep. He is a physical, athletic talent and is regarded by many as the top receiver in the conference. Jeffrey has already proven he can produce despite Spurrier playing musical quarterbacks, and as long as Lattimore is there to hand the ball to and Jeffrey is there to throw to, it doesn’t matter who lines up under center.

The defense could be a different story. Spurrier has managed to build stout units since arriving at South Carolina, but the several new faces will be starting in the front seven and in the secondary. The SEC isn’t exactly known for its explosive offenses, but an inexperienced unit could be taken advantage of. In a conference where points can be at a premium at times, even a few easy scores can be the difference between winning and losing.

Looking at the schedule, the road back to the SEC title game should be relatively smooth. Road games against Georgia and Arkansas and a home contest against Florida appear to be the three toughest tests for the Gamecocks. Out of conference, Clemson and Navy are possible, but unlikely, threats.

As with any Spurrier contrived offense, expect the Gamecocks to be one of the most efficient units in the nation. South Carolina converted nearly 50 percent of its third downs and dominated opponents in terms of time of possession. The defense won’t be the best the Gamecocks have put on the field in recent years, but it will be good enough to hold its own against a weak schedule. Expect a hiccup along the way, but South Carolina should win the SEC East once again in 2011-12, but winning the conference title game will likely prove too much. The Gamecocks will have an outside shot at an at-large BCS bid, but a national title will have to wait.   

2011 South Carolina College Football Predictions: 11-2 Record

Preseason 2011 South Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: +3000
Odds to Win 2011 SEC Champonship: +650
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2011 South Carolina College Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 3 at East Carolina TBA —
Sat, Sep 10 at Georgia 4:30 pm —
Sat, Sep 17 Navy 6:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 24 Vanderbilt TBA —
Sat, Oct 1 Auburn TBA —
Sat, Oct 8 Kentucky TBA —
Sat, Oct 15 at Mississippi State TBA —
Sat, Oct 29 at Tennessee TBA —
Sat, Nov 5 at Arkansas TBA —
Sat, Nov 12 Florida TBA —
Sat, Nov 19 Citadel TBA —
Sat, Nov 26 Clemson TBA

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