NCAA Football Betting Preview: North Carolina At South Carolina

North Carolina at South Carolina
6 p.m. eastern, Sportsnet 360
South Carolina -12.5, O/U 57.5

The first nationally-televised game of the 2013 NCAA football season takes place Thursday in Columbia, S.C. as the sixth-ranked Gamecocks host the North Carolina Tar Heels. South Carolina opened as an 11.5-point favourite and the line has held relatively steady, though the Cocks are now 12.5-point chalk. The total has moved down to 57.5 from an opener of 61.

About the Tar Heels

North Carolina was 8-4 a year ago and 5-3 in ACC conference play.QB Bryn Renner (28 TDs, 3,356 yards) returns to an offence that ranked 14th in the country last season in total yards and has plenty of receiving weapons, but the offensive line is suspect. On defence, the Tar Heels return seven starters on a unit that struggled at times last year. Depth on defence is a concern. UNC could make a real statement with a strong showing against the much more powerful Gamecocks.

About the Gamecocks

South Carolina is coming off two straight 11-2 seasons, led by returning defensive end and Heisman candidate Jadeveon Clowney, and is seen as a serious national championship contender. Senior QB Connor Shaw is 17-3 as a starter, with his only losses coming at Florida, Arkansas and LSU. Stud WR Ace Sanders did not return, but the Cocks have plenty of depth in the receiving corps. Clowney anchors a solid defensive line and the secondary is also strong, but South Carolina is young at linebacker.

Injuries/roster news

Clowney is battling a shoulder injury but is expected to play. South Carolina receiver Bruce Ellington and tight end Rory Anderson are also not 100% but likely to suit up.

Weather

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s with a 20 per cent chance of rain.

Trends

North Carolina has covered each of its last four Thursday games but is 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road. South Carolina has covered seven of its last nine games at home.

Our pick: North Carolina +12.5