2013 College Football Picks: South Carolina @ Georgia Odds and Predictions – Free NCAAF Picks 9/7/2013

2013 College Football Picks: South Carolina @ Georgia Odds and Predictions – Free NCAAF Picks 9/7/2013: Two of the best teams in the SEC East will meet Saturday when the sixth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) go on the road to face the 11th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (0-1). The winner will be in control of its own destiny in the division and have an inside track on reaching the SEC title game. On the flip side, the loser may have thrown away their chances at a division and conference title just two games into the year. Needless to say, there is plenty on the line when these powerhouse programs meet this weekend. Playing at home, the Bulldogs are 3-point favorites.

The Gamecocks roll into the matchup after cruising past North Carolina in the opener. Running back Mike Davis led a potent ground attack in the win, and he figures to be the centerpiece of the offense throughout the year while dual-threat quarterback Connor Shaw simply tries to make enough plays to keep defenses honest. On the other side of the ball, Jadeveon Clowney and the rest of defensive front are the heart of a stout unit. Clowney is on the list of Heisman favorites to open the year, but he is coming off a lackluster showing the opener.

For the Bulldogs, Saturday’s game is essentially a must-win after they fell 38-35 to Clemson last weekend. Georgia’s offense was as stout as advertised in the loss with quarterback Andy Murray throwing for more than 300 yards while running back Todd Gurley topped 150 yards. However, a rebuilt defense was torched repeatedly on the ground and through the air, and Tigers’ quarterback Tajh Boyd decimated the Bulldogs’ unit.

The Gamecocks Win If:

Controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will be crucial for the Gamecocks. South Carolina’s offense is at its best when its rushing attack is moving the chains, and Shaw doesn’t have to throw on every down. On the flip side, Georgia’s offense is at its worst when Murray is constantly under pressure and the rushing attack is struggling. If Clowney and the rest of the Gamecocks’ defensive front push around the Bulldogs’ offensive line, Georgia’s offense is going to struggle to score. Meanwhile, South Carolina should have no problem exposing a young Georgia defense if it establishes its ground attack early and allows Shaw to pick his spots.

The Bulldogs Win If:

Protecting Murray needs to be the top priority for the Bulldogs. Establishing Gurley and the ground game early in the game will go a long way to helping the cause, but Georgia also needs to give Murray time to throw on obvious passing downs. If the Bulldogs can maintain balance on the offensive side, they have enough weapons to put plenty of points on the board. On the defensive side of the ball, Georgia needs to bottle up South Carolina’s ground attack and force Shaw to try to win the game. If the Bulldogs turn this game into a shootout between Murray and Shaw, the Gamecocks won’t be able to keep pace offensively.

Bottom Line:

While the Bulldogs were completely overwhelmed physically and mentally against the Gamecocks last year, playing at home this time around should help the cause. In fact, Murray threw four touchdowns against South Carolina in Athens in 2011. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks have struggled to win big games on the road the past couple of years, and Shaw has yet to show he is more than a game manager. Perhaps most importantly, Georgia is without a doubt the more desperate team in this matchup, knowing that a 0-2 start means that any hope for a national title is out the window. This early in the year, it isn’t likely either side is going to be firing on all cylinders. As a result, any extra motivation can make a difference when it comes to getting the tough yards and making the big plays. The Bulldogs’ season is already on the line, and with the crowd on their side, they should rise to the occasion.

Prediction: Georgia Bulldogs (-3) Cover the Spread 

South Carolina @ Georgia
Time: 4:30 PM EST
Line: Georgia -3
Total: Over/Under 56

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