2009 South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Recap
Online betting veterans used to expect more from Steve Spurrier. Famous for tacking on one more score and covering enormous lines, Spurrier teams used to be a favorite among those wagering on college football. The “Head Ball Coach” seems to have lost his knack for lighting up the scoreboard and SEC opponents in his five years at South Carolina. 2009 was no different.
The 2009 Gamecocks navigated a terribly difficult schedule about as well as could be expected. The schedule featured five games against teams ranked in the top 25 and three against teams in the top five at the time. The offense was again erratic, scoring just one touchdown in a 7-3 win at N.C. State to open the season, but then rebounded to outgain Georgia in a 41-37 loss in Athens. The Gamecocks won three straight including a physical win over then-No. 4 Ole Miss. At 5-1, the team was ranked in the AP top 25 (No. 25), and poised to contend for the SEC East.
The second half of the season was brutal for the South Carolina offense, due in part to both the inconsistent play of quarterback Stephen Garcia and the quality of their opponents. The offense was smothered, failing to score more than 20 points in a five consecutive games. The lack of punch cost the Gamecocks four of five contests, and they limped into the season finale with rival Clemson holding a 6-5 record. With nothing but pride left to play for, they put together their most complete performance of the year and pounded their in-state rival, 34-17, to finish the regular season 7-5.
2010 Preview To Bet South Carolina Gamecocks
NCAA football betting experts have reason to suspect that the old Spurrier is on the verge of reappearing. After two seasons of somewhat erratic play, Garcia returns as a junior to lead a very talented offense. Garcia is easily the most talented QB Spurrier’s had since coming to South Carolina. Garcia also has the most to work with, beginning with super talented wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey, who caught six TD passes as a freshman. The offense also returns tight end Wesley Saunders, leading rusher Kenny Miles, and four starters on the offensive line. The one to watch: freshman running back Marcus Lattimore. He is the highest-rated signee Spurrier’s brought to South Carolina and will push for playing time right away.
Seven starters return to a defense that allowed just 301 yards per game in 2009. The strength of the defense resides in the speedy and athletic back seven. Cornerbacks Stephone Gilmore and Chris Culliver and free safety Akeem Auguste were all highly sought-after recruits who are now veterans of Southeastern Conference play. Their presence will allow defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson to be as aggressive as he wants.
The schedule sets up nicely for sports betting veterans looking at South Carolina. The Gamecocks get 10 days to prepare for their home game with Georgia, a bye week before hosting Alabama, and draw East division rival Tennessee at home as well. With the experience returning and the questions surrounding other SEC East teams, 2010 could be the year South Carolina takes the next step.