South Carolina

A year ago, the Gamecocks opened with a 34-0 victory against North Carolina State. The teams meet tonight in Raleigh, and Steve Spurrier's team is a five-point underdog. South Carolina has faded down the stretch the past two seasons. The 2007 team lost its last five after a 6-1 start. In 2008, the Gamecocks dropped their last three, the closest loss coming by 17 points. Spurrier is 28-22 at Columbia, and the schedule-maker has cut him no favors this fall. After tonight, South Carolina travels to Georgia before homes games against Florida Atlantic, Mississippi, South Carolina State (Division I-AA) and Kentucky. A 3-3 start is likely before the teeth of the Southeastern Conference schedule. Thanks to Dawn!