Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for South Carolina vs. Akron

In how little time can South Carolina forget how badly they lost to LSU?

It was a nail-biting game right up until the very end, when the Gamecocks missed one last kick. It needs to get back on track quickly because it has to play Ole Miss, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M next.

Akron has been fun to watch, even though Ohio State and Rutgers beat them badly before beating Colgate. It gets one more nice paycheck before going to Ohio to start the MAC season.

South Carolina vs Akron Preview

South Carolina vs Akron How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
How to Watch: SEC Network
South Carolina (2-1), Akron (1-2)

Why Akron Will Win

The Zips can throw the ball a little, which keeps the Gamecocks fresh.

South Carolina has a week off before a tough stretch of SEC games, so this is a real “look ahead” game for them. That is why Ben Finley has to make things harder.

In his first game as a quarterback, the Zip quarterback threw a touchdown against Colgate. This week, he should put pressure on a defense that was hit too hard by LSU’s passing game last week, and…

Why South Carolina Will Win

Akron might not ever have the ball.

LaNorris Sellers is expected to come back from being hurt against LSU as South Carolina’s quarterback, so everything is fine there. There is also a chance for the third down plays to finally work.

This season, Akron has let teams cover 49% of their third down tries. For the Gamecocks, it is been hard to keep things going. They will run a little faster, and the rest of South Carolina’s ground game will drive away.

South Carolina vs Akron: Who Will Win

For a while, Akron will not play badly, but it will have two turnovers for every successful pass, and the offensive line will not be able to handle South Carolina’s pass rush. There also will not be any Zip pressure in the backfield.

The Gamecocks won in a good way, and now they have a week to rest.