South Carolina Laying Huge Chalk in Opener vs. Coastal Carolina

South Carolina Offense Expected to Explode this Season

The Gamecocks will open the 2018 season Sept. 1 at home vs. a non-power conference opponent for the first time since 2008. South Carolina is more than a 4 TD favorite over Sun Belt entrant Coastal Carolina. The Gamecocks are 17-1 in season openers since 2000, losing only in 2014 to SEC opponent Texas A&M.

South Carolina has won each of their last two home openers as underdog, but this year they are a huge favorite. Question is will they open up the offense and playbook with a big home game against SEC favorite Georgia on deck? We see the South Carolina offense making significant strides this season.  

SEC Rising: South Carolina Gamecocks

Saturday, Sept. 1 – 9:00am ET

Coastal Carolina +30 l O 56.5

South Carolina -30 l U 56.5

This total will rise some more before kickoff, and it opened 53. While South Carolina prefers to not show their entire playbook in the opener, the players will still unleash their offensive skill and talent against an inferior foe.

The Gamecocks averaged 24 points per game (PPG) last season, its highest point production since the 2014 season. They also scored 35 and 31 points in their opening two games against much stronger opponents than Coastal Carolina. This 2018 offense has the potential to be potent. Junior quarterback Jake Bentley will improve on his 2,800 passing yards from last season and he has a talented and deep wide receiver core along with multiple TE weapons. Bentley is at his best when playing up-tempo, and if new full time offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon lets the offense loose in his first season calling plays, then the Gamecocks will put up more than 45 points in the opener.  

Coastal Carolina should still keep pushing the tempo. The Chanticleers operate a spread game offense with option principles and senior QB Kilton Anderson is a dual threat. He was not fully healthy last year and should be able to run and escape the pocket a bit more this season. We do note that Coastal Carolina averaged 65 plays per game last season to rank #115 in the country. That was under a different head coach, but Joe Maglia is back for his 6th season after taking a leave of absence last year.    

South Carolina played at an even slower pace at 63 plays per game. But as we look for an edge and anticipate change, we anticipate a dynamic shift in South Carolina’s offensive attack, pace and talent.

I agree with the total move and anticipate more than 60 points scored in this contest. I don’t believe this is the right game to lay big points with South Carolina, and the huge ‘Dog is a preferred play with an inflated line. But South Carolina should score plenty of points, and while we’re not certain the offensive coordinator is going to be a quality play caller, he likely wants to make a statement for himself and the Gamecocks offense. Playing an inferior foe at home is a good place to start and show off the new offense.

Fairway’s Forecast: OVER 56.5