Tuesday, September 1, 2009
SEC Football Blogger |
South Carolina vs. North Carolina State, 2009 Prediction Preview Posted: 01 Sep 2009 11:41 AM PDT
This is not the same NCSU that South Carolina made look silly last year on national TV. This is a much improved team lead by a flat-out all-star at quarterback. He is the focal point of NCSU's offense and to be honest is directly tied to the potential success of the 2009 NCSU Wolfpack. If Wilson lives up to the hype then NCSU could be in line for ACC glory but if he folds or gets hurt then the offense becomes one dimensional and is in trouble. After being knocked out of last year’s opener against South Carolina, Wilson went on to prove why he could be the next great dual-threat college quarterback. The Richmond, Va. native threw for 17 touchdowns and only one interception while racking up nearly 2,000 yards through the air. On the ground, Wilson compiled 388 rushing yards and four touchdowns. However, perhaps most impressive is Wilson’s ability to limit his turnovers. Coming into this season, Wilson carries a streak of 249 pass attempts without an interception. Bottom line is this kid is good either running or passing and plays smart. Wolfpack Defense: The N.C. State defense was dealt a huge blow in the offseason when linebacker Nate Irving suffered a broken leg and a collapsed lung in a car accident. Arguably the Wolfpack’s best defensive player in 2008, Irving racked up 84 tackles, four interceptions and one fumble recovery last season. In Irving’s absence, look for first-team All-ACC defensive end Willie Young to take the reins and become the leader of the defense. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior from Riviera Beach, Fla., recorded 6.5 sacks in 2008, along with an interception and two fumble recoveries. If Young can put pressure on USC QB Garcia, he can relieve some of the pressure in the secondary caused by Irving’s absence and make the whole defense better as a result. Young will anchor the defensive end position alongside onetime Gamecock Shea McKeen and use his tremendous pass rushing ability to add to his 12.5 career sack total. The weak spot is in the NCSU secondary and this is an area USC must exploit to win. 5 keys to a Gamecock Win
Summary: I feel this game will be close due to the play of the USC defense; with that the game rests on the arm of USC qb Garcia, who must have a good game. If Garcia sucks then so does USC's season. I feel the gamecocks special teams will play a factor in the outcome. I think this is going to be a close 23-20 win for USC. What do you think it will be? Please comment below! |
Posted: 01 Sep 2009 11:12 AM PDT SEC Lines for Week 1 Say you’re looking to add another layer of entertainment to your football. And because ESPN puts up lines for entertainment purposes only? I will bring my prognosticatory into the world. Odds are, it will break bad. But it will be fun. Right? South Carolina +4.5 @ N.C. State Honestly? Take the points. You want more? Let’s call it out like this. South Carolina’s Defense can carry them through. Russell Wilson was relevatory in the second half of the season, but Stephen Garcia is facing a defense that’s mediocre. The Gamecocks won 34-0 last season. They’ll win 24-20 here. Georgia +5.5 @ Oklahoma State What we know? It’s going to be a shootout. What we also know is that the mediocre defense the Cowboys had just lost their only starting defensive back in Perrish Cox, so A.J. Green is going to have a big day. However? Can Willie Martinez stop the juggernaut. I say no. Oklahoma State 42 Georgia 31. Western Kentucky +29 @ Tennessee This feels like a good line for Vegas. You have to bet on Jonathan Crompton to score five times. Enough people won’t do that for Vegas to make money. I say the kids will get to 35. And the Red Drink may steal a 3. Take the favorite. Kentucky -15 @ Miami (OH) Take Kentucky. I mean come on. Kentucky’s got enough offense. Louisiana Tech +13 @ Auburn Louisiana Tech is going to keep it close. For three quarters. Take Auburn. Even if you’re perplexed by Chris Todd. Mississippi State will beat Jackson State. Dan Mullen will double this win total all season. Vanderbilt will beat Western Carolina. Because Vanderbilt has a cooler nickname. Barely. Arkansas will beat Missouri State by the same principles. These games have no lines because Vegas has no time for the fat people who actually went to the Gateway Conference. You already know what I said about Florida. Take the points. I’m going to lay 63. Virginia Tech +6 vs. Alabama Despite the attempted robbery on Brandon Deaderick. Virginia Tech has a running back who takes his pride as being uncoachable. The Hokies loss of Darren Evans is much much greater than the Tide’s loss of Deaderick. Also take the under. 17-9 Bama. LSU -17 @ Washington I’m going to take Washington to cover. LSU wins straight up. Jake Locker is back. It’s a road night game in Seattle. They’ll be down 17-14 after three quarters. It’ll be 31-17 or some such nonsense for LSU. Ole Miss -16.5 @ Memphis Memphis is going to be a fun team to watch. But not this week. Memphis has one returning offensive lineman. Ole Miss is crazy deep at the D-Line. This equals a win and cover. |
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