Free College Football Pick: South Carolina vs. Old Dominion
Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, August 31st
- Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
- Point Spread: South Carolina -20
- Total: 55.5
Season Opener Offers Intrigue:
The 2024 college football season kicks off with an intriguing matchup as the South Carolina Gamecocks host the Old Dominion Monarchs. While the Gamecocks enter as significant favorites, this season opener has the potential for some surprises.
Gamecocks Look to Rebound:
South Carolina enters this season with a point to prove after a disappointing 5-7 campaign in 2023. While they suffered some lopsided losses, they also showcased their potential against tough opponents like Georgia and Clemson. With 7 returning offensive starters and 8 on defense, there’s optimism that the Gamecocks can find more consistency this year.
Monarchs Face Challenges:
Old Dominion finished last season with a 6-7 record, concluding with a heart-wrenching overtime loss in their bowl game, a game in which they blew a 28 point lead. Their season was a mix of highs and lows, with lopsided defeats alongside competitive showings against ranked opponents. The Monarchs face challenges this year, losing key players and returning only 6 offensive and 4 defensive starters.
Data-Driven Insights:
While Old Dominion might have been a tougher opponent at the end of last season, the dynamics have shifted. Our model, analyzing data from the final 7 weeks of last season, predicted a 32-16 victory for South Carolina. However, considering the player losses suffered by the Monarchs, the talent gap between the programs, and the Gamecocks’ retained experience, that margin is expected to widen.
The Pick:
Based on the current information, the most likely scenario is a comfortable victory for South Carolina. The Gamecocks are expected to leverage their home-field advantage and exploit the vulnerabilities in the Old Dominion roster. While the Monarchs may have some moments of success, overcoming the 20-point spread seems unlikely.
Final Prediction: South Carolina -20