College football is back and the annual tradition of watching the Old Ball Coach open up the season is upon us. Since Steve Spurrier became the head coach at South Carolina, they often play in the very first game of the college football season on the opening Thursday night. This season, they open up against North Carolina in a neutral site game in Charlotte.
South Carolina is starting almost a completely new offense. Connor Mitch takes over as the new starting quarterback, but he does have star receiver Pharoh Cooper to throw to. Meanwhile, North Carolina returns almost all their starters, but is looking to improve upon their 6-7 record of last year.
The Basics
Who:
North Carolina vs. South Carolina
When:
September 3rd, 6 PM EST
Channel:
ESPN
Where:
Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, North Carolina
Line:
South Carolina by 2.5 points (Line according to OddsShark and subject to change.)
Last Meeting:
The teams last played in 2013. South Carolina won 27-10.
North Carolina Preview
Marquise Williams drops back to pass. -Getty
North Carolina went 6-6 during the regular season and lost to Rutgers in the Quick Lane Bowl. Their marquee win was defeating Georgia Tech 48-43. The Tarheels return almost all their starters on both sides of the ball and could be in for an improvement. The ceiling over the past few years has been 8 wins. They do have a favorable schedule that could help improve the team but are unlikely to challenge for the Coastal Division in the ACC.
South Carolina Preview
The Old Ball Coach kicks off the college football season. -Getty
South Carolina went 7-6 last season but below .500 in the SEC. Their 2015 schedule does not do them any favors and even if the team itself improves they could wind up with a losing record based on scheduling alone. They have road games against Georgia, Missouri, Texas A&M and Tennessee. If Connor Mitch and Pharoh Cooper can help jump start the young offense then the outlook becomes brighter.
Heavy’s Pick
South Carolina 27, North Carolina 24
This is a bigger rivalry than many people realize, and North Carolina has most likely had this game circled for quite a while. Look for a back and forth contest that is decided in the 4th quarter. Ultimately, South Carolina has a bit more talent and the Gamecocks edge out the Tarheels but not by much.
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North Carolina vs. South Carolina: Time, Channel, Line & Prediction