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South Carolina vs. Missouri prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the SEC West matchup between the Gamecocks and Tigers.

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South Carolina vs. Missouri Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 5 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
TV Broadcast: SEC Network

South Carolina earned its first big victory of the Will Muschamp era with an upset over Tennessee. Quarterback Jake Bentley had an effective day, completing 15-for-20 pass attempts for 167 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, the true freshman threw no interceptions.

Missouri lost its fourth game in a row in a 35-21 defeat at home against Kentucky. The Tigers defense was thrashed for 377 rushing yards, as the defense continues to struggle in Barry Odom’s first year as head coach.

What To Know About South Carolina

Is Bentley the man to stay under center? It seems like it. The freshman from Opelika, Alabama (next door to Auburn) enrolled early, has taken over the starting job and doesn’t look like he will relinquish it. Another freshman in running back Rico Dowdle made an impact in the win as well, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown.

The Gamecocks have been stout against the pass, ranking No. 16 in the nation in pass defense by allowing just 180.8 yards per game. The rush defense isn’t as good, allowing a whooping 201.75 yards per game. The Tigers like to rush the ball, so shutting them down and making quarterback Drew Lock beat them with the pass is important.

What to Know About Missouri

Missouri will try to pound the ball on the ground and try to take advantage of the South Carolina weak rush defense. They failed doing that in the loss to Kentucky, rushing for only 157 yards, below their season average. To make the offense more balanced, Lock must play as well as he was earlier in the season.

Once the strength of the Tigers, the defense has been horrific this season, allowing 475.6 yards per game, good for 116th in the nation.

Advantages

Offense: Missouri. Lock has the ability to be a star.

Defense: South Carolina. Defense has never been a problem with Muschamp-coached teams.

Special Teams: South Carolina. Kicker Elliott Fry has been solid.

Coaching: Tie. Both coaches are trying to rebuild their respective programs.

Intangibles: South Carolina. Two more wins and the Gamecocks reach a bowl game.

Matchup To Watch

South Carolina rush attack vs. Missouri rushing defense

Can the Tigers stop anyone from running the ball?

South Carolina vs. Missouri Betting Odds

Spread: South Carolina -7
Over/Under: 56

South Carolina vs. Missouri Prediction

Bentley has been able to give the Gamecocks a little energy on offense, something they desperately needed after struggling so much earlier this season. He will have a chance to show that he can be a star against the Missouri defense that gives up a lot of yards. He will prove that, and South Carolina gets one win away from a bowl.

South Carolina vs. Missouri Score Prediction: South Carolina 31, Missouri 23

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