BEST BET - Georgia Bulldogs vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Point Spread and Pick

No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs (1-0, 1-0 ATS) at South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0, 1-0 ATS), Week 2 NCAA Football, Saturday September 11th, 12:00PM Eastern Williams-Brice Stadium Columbia, S.C
By Jay Horne, College Football Handicapper of Predictem.com

Point Spread: UGA +2.5/USC -2.5
Over/under: 47

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The biggest game in the SEC this week will take place at Williams-Brice Stadium when the South Carolina Gamecocks host the Georgia Bulldogs. South Carolina thumped Southern Miss in front of a nationally televised audience last week 41-13 while looking impressive on both sides of the ball. Georgia was also equally impressive in a big blow out win over Louisiana-Lafayette 55-7. The two teams now get their first major test of the season when the two SEC powers collide this Saturday afternoon. Considering how unimpressive Florida looked last week, the winner of this game will have a great start in the race for the SEC East.

The Gamecocks appeared to be clicking on offense last Thursday behind junior QBStephen Garcia. After a summer of criticism, Garcia rose to the challenge while completing 16 of 23 passing for 193 yards. Garcia also bulldozed his way for two scores on the ground as the Gamecocks dismantled the Golden Eagles defense all night. Perhaps if you watched the game last Thursday, then the youth of South Carolina may have been a standout. Sophomore WR Alshon Jeffery caught 7 passes for 106 yards and is quickly becoming a household name in the SEC.

Freshman running back Marcus Lattimore also had a solid opening debut carrying the ball 14 times for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns. Lattimore was listed as the nation's top running back out of high school last year and South Carolina fans are eager to see how he will progress this season. Another youngster that was impressive last week for the Gamecocks was freshman wide out Ace Sanders. Sanders does not possess an intimidating frame at just 5'7 and 165 pounds. However, Sanders showed some lightening quick speed with two receptions for 43 yards and another carry for 53 yards in the Gamecocks home opener. With so much talent at the skill positions for South Carolina, it is easy to see why expectations are so high.

The Gamecocks posted 449 yards of total offense with a very balanced attack. South Carolina split their offensive production right down the middle with 225 passing yards and 224 yards on the ground. However, the real test comes this Saturday against a much better defense from Georgia. The Bulldogs defense held teams to just 339 yards per game in 2009 and are stacked to be even better this season. South Carolina's biggest concern is how will the offensive line hold up against a better defensive rush? The Gamecocks surrendered 37 sacks in 2009 which was the 11th worse in the nation. While the South Carolina offensive line appeared improved last week, their first real test comes this Saturday. If the Gamecocks are to really challenge in the SEC this year, the offensive line must be better.

The Bulldogs on the other hand have a lot of similarities compared to the Gamecocks. Georgia has tons of talent at the skill positions on offense backed by a solid defense. WR A.J. Green is most likely the best receiver in the SEC and will make is expected to make his season debut after being held out of last week's contest due to an NCAA rules investigation. Green posted 53 receptions for 808 yards for the Bulldogs last season. While those numbers do not sound overly impressive, remember Georgia struggled severely throwing the football in 2009.

Freshman QB Aaron Murray hopes to answer all the concerns in the passing game. Murray looked fairly solid last week completing 17 of 26 passes for 160 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 pick last week. However, Murray will be one of those players under the microscope this week as we will eagerly wait to see how the freshman plays against a much better defensive group. The most important concern Georgia has concerning Murray is establishing ball security. In a game expected to be very close, turnovers will be key and that is where the concern lies with Murray.

Still, this game will likely be won in the trenches. Both teams will be looking to control the football and establish a running game. Let's face it time of possession may be critical and the offense that can keep the other off the field will have the advantage. South Carolina and Georgia have historically been hard fought games with 5 of the last 6 games being decided by last than 7 points. Considering what is on the table for both teams, another great battle is expected yet again.

Update: Georgia WR A.J Green is now listed as doubtful as NCAA rules investigations continue.

Jay's Pick to Cover the Spread: This game has been on my radar all summer and believe the lines are right where I expected with another predicted grudge match. In fact, the opening line favors South Carolina by 2.5 and odds makers are using that enticing line to lure in a lot of action on the Bulldogs while believing South Carolina will cover. I also just do not see Georgia staying with the Gamecocks all 4 quarters in this one. South Carolina has tons of weapons on offense that will score points even against solid defenses. While Georgia possesses the same in terms of talent, I believe the Gamecocks defense will rattle freshman QB Murray with all of the different looks that defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson brings. Consider this a big play with the Gamecocks.