Gamecock vs. Wolfpack prediction for August 28, 2008.

Well the last time we played NC State I was a freshman at Carolina, and don’t really remember a hole lot about the game except we lost. Derek Watson was playing in his first game as a Gamecock as Lou was coaching his first game in the Garnet and Black. A lot has changed since then for both schools. Steve Spurrier is not calling the plays at USC while Chuck is gone and Tom 0’Brien is now incharge.

What to watch for: NC State will try and take advantage of USC’s QB situation hoping to keep Tommy Beecher off balance. This can also be said for USC’s defense as I am sure Elis Johnson will be sending the blitz packages often. Keeping first time starter Russell Wilson off guard. NC State will try and run the ball with a handful of backs including Jamelle Eugene, Andre Brown and Toney Baker. The rumor is that NC state will try and run a spread option similar to West Virginia in the past since Wilson is suppose to be an excellent running QB, racking up over 4000 total yards his senior year in high school. USC has had trouble with this type of offense in the past, see Wofford from 2006, or Florida from 2007. This could mean trouble for the Gamecock defense or this could be a major disaster for a offense that has never run the option before. I guess we will have to wait and see on Thursday.

What will happen: South Carolina defense will carry the Gamecocks stopping NC State in their tracks. Look for the Gamecocks to have better offensive success in the 2nd half. The Wolfpack defense will try and double team Kenny, so look for the tight end tandem of Cook and Saunders to have a big game. The running back by commit should also help to wear down NC state’s defense over time, Taylor Rank might be the starter but look out for Mike Davis early and often.

Prediction

NC State 12
South Carolina 35