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South Carolina Heavily Favored Against Kent State
5 Sep
Summary
- South Carolina opens as 36.5-point favorites against Kent State.
- The Gamecocks have a recent history of slow offensive starts.
- The game is expected to be played in extreme heat, above 95 degrees.
The South Carolina Gamecocks are set to begin their 2026 season as significant favorites, facing Kent State on Saturday. FanDuel Sportsbook lists South Carolina with a 36.5-point advantage. The over/under for total points in the matchup is set at 54.5.
The game is anticipated to be played in extreme heat, with temperatures projected to soar above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This challenging weather condition could impact game dynamics.
Recent seasons have seen South Carolina exhibit a tendency for slow offensive starts. In 2023, they scored only 17 points against North Carolina, followed by 23 points against Old Dominion in 2024, and 24 against Virginia Tech in 2025. This pattern raises questions about offensive efficiency early in games.
Despite the historical trend, analysts believe South Carolina has the potential to break their slow-start pattern. The offensive unit features promising talent, including quarterback LaNorris Sellers and an improved offensive line, under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. While covering the substantial spread is uncertain, a victory to open the season is widely expected.
