The Crippler's Take on the Southeastern Conference


During the season starts, this page will have a detailed analysis and prediction for every game involving an SEC team so check back every week. It will be updated on Thursday afternoons

Crippler's Prediction Results

SEC Straight-Up 36-3
SEC Spread 20-17
Overall Straight-Up 58-10
Overall Spread 34-25-1


GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 13


Alabama (-7) at Mississippi
The Tide travels to Oxford in a West Division matchup this week. Ole Miss has been up and down this year with Eli Manning being about the only constant. The Ole Miss defense is not good, simply put. That will be the difference in this one as Tyler Watts has been red hot as of late, both running and throwing the football. Couple that with Bama's talented defense and this game falls in the Tide's favor. The Rebs will stay in this game mainly because Bama's pass defense is rather weak but I don't think Eli will be enough to pull Ole Miss through.
The Crippler picks ALABAMA 23, OLE MISS 14

Georgia (-8) at Vanderbilt
The Dawgs pulled off the stunner last week in Knoxville but will they have a letdown against the lowly Commodores? I should think not. Georgia is riding high right now and Richt will keep them focussed for this SEC road contest. Vandy simply doesn't have the weapons to hang with UGa this year, or most other years to be honest. The Dores will play it close for a while as they always do but UGa's talent will come through in the end.
The Crippler picks GEORGIA 24, VANDERBILT 14

Troy State at Mississippi State (-24.5)
The Bulldogs take a much needed break from conference play this week as they take on one of the newest Division IA competitors, Troy State. The Bullies are doubting themselves right now after 3 straight losses in SEC play and a good old-fashioned butt-whooping is just what the doctor ordered for Sherrill's boys. MSU will have no problem with this one but they must avoid a letdown now that they know any hopes of reaching Atlanta for the SEC Championship are gone.
The Crippler picks MISSISSIPPI STATE 38, TROY STATE 14

South Carolina (-9) at Arkansas
The Gamecocks make the trip West to Little Rock to take on the Hogs this week. On paper, this looks like an easy one for the Gamecocks but South Carolina has learned many times in their history that games are not played on paper. South Carolina is 5-0 for the first time since 1988 and has climbed into the top 10 for the first time since 1988. This weekend would seem like a prime opportunity for USC's bubble to burst. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, this Carolina team is different, mainly due to Lou Holtz. There will not be a letdown. If Arkansas is to beat South Carolina, they will have to do it on the field and earn it and I just don't think the Hogs have the team to do that this year, especially with Cedric Cobbs being in Houston Nutt's doghouse.
The Crippler picks SOUTH CAROLINA 20, ARKANSAS 10

Louisiana State (-16) at Kentucky
The Bayou Bengals were pretty much destroyed by Florida last week but take heart LSU fans, UF has been doing that to everyone and there is no shame in that defeat. LSU will have to regroup and make the trip to Lexington this week to take on the Cats. I can seem some frustrations being taken out on UK this week. Kentucky was simply bad last week in Columbia, I mean real bad and Jared Lorenzon never set foot on the field. Well, maybe, he should this week cuz yet again, UK has a slim and none chance of pulling the upset. Rohan Davey, Labrandon Toefield and Josh Reed will do what they want, when they want in an easy one in the Bluegrass.
The Crippler picks LSU 31, KENTUCKY 13

Florida (-21) at Auburn
The mighty Gators travel West again this week to take on the Auburn Tigers, in what could be an SEC Championship game preview. Surprisingly (at least to me), Auburn is sitting atop the SEC West Division but it doesn't matter this week. I don't think there is anyone in the country that can play with Spurrier's Gators right now. Every week, I think this might be their letdown and every week, they look better and better. If Rex Grossman continues on this pace, or even half this pace, he should be a shoe-in for the Heisman. He is simply on another planet. Florida wins big again.
The Crippler picks FLORIDA 41, AUBURN 17


GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 6


Georgia at Tennesse (-11.5)
The Dawgs travel to Knoxville to take on the Vols in an important SEC East matchup. UT is battling several key injuries this week, especially on the defensive line, namely John Henderson and Will Overstreet. These injuries could bode very well for Musa Smith and UGa's solid offensive line. Of course, it's not like UT's cupboard is bare at all. They still have Casey Clausen and Travis Henry and a very good offensive line of their own. UT will have to control the ball much of the game and wear the UGa defense down. I think they will but only because the game is in Knoxville. Unfortunately for Mark Richt and the Dawgs, this is their first big road game. If the game was in Athens, I think UGa pulls off the upset.
The Crippler picks TENNESSEE 24, GEORGIA 17

UTEP at Alabama (-20)
Alabama proved something to me last week. They are much better than I had been giving them credit for. If Bama can get Tyler Watts to play half as well as he did against South Carolina, the Tide will be tough to beat and could very well win the West Division. In any case, UTEP comes calling this week and things will get ugly. Bama will take out some frustration on the lowly Miners and win this one going away.
The Crippler picks ALABAMA 35, UTEP 7

Florida (-13) at LSU
Is there a better team in the country than the Florida Gators right now? I don't think so. Spurrier's boys are firing on all cylinders. Who would have ever thought any team was capable of beating Mississippi State 52-0? Grossman to Gaffney is about as lethal a combination as the SEC has ever seen and the defense is top notch. On the other side, LSU did not play badly in their loss in Knoxville last week but they'll have to play MUCH better to stay with the Gators. It will be crucial for LSU to get Labrandon Toefield back healthy and to keep pounding the ball at Florida and keep the offense off the field because if Grossman is playing, he is scoring. It's that simple. I don't think LSU can pull it off but they'll keep it respectable.
The Crippler picks FLORIDA 31, LSU 17

Weber State at Arkansas (no line)
Arkansas steps out of conference this week to get an easy win and they better enjoy it cuz there hasnt been much to celebrate for the Hogs this season and it will only get worse as they get deeper into conference play. I guess the question Houston Nutt has to be asking himself is what is he going to do with RB Cedric Cobb. His mouth kept him out of last week's game in Athens and Brandon Holmes performed very well. Cobb may be seeing his playing time going right out the window for good. This will be a good chance for Arkansas to work on some fine tuning, which they desperately need.
The Crippler picks ARKANSAS 31, WEBER STATE 10

Mississippi (-22) at Arkansas State
Ole Miss goes on the road for a non-conference matchup with Arkansas State this week. This game should be an easy one for the Rebs. The Ole Miss offense looked good last week against UK (but who doesn't light up the UK defense?) but the defense did not look particularly good, which has been the story with Ole Miss all season. In any case, the Rebels won't have a problem with Arkansas State but a 22 point spread is a little too much this year.
The Crippler picks OLE MISS 35, ARKANSAS STATE 14

Mississippi State at Auburn (-2.5)
The MSU Bulldogs travel to Auburn still licking their wounds from the sound beating they suffered last week in Gainesville. The Bullies are 0-2 in conference play to start the season and a sense of desperation and panic has to be setting in in Starkville. Those emotions do not a good football team make and this week is not any easier as MSU travels to a talented but very young Auburn team. Auburn is still trying to find its identity and this might be the game to do just that. I don't think that Sherrill's boys have much confidence in themselves right now and the injury to Dicenzo Miller doesn't help. Auburn's defense will be able to shut down the Bulldogs running game and Wayne Madkin has not proved he can beat a team with his arm. Another SEC shocker, Mississippi State starts off the season with an 0-3 record in conference and can pretty much kiss Atlanta goodbye.
The Crippler picks AUBURN 20, MISSISSIPPI STATE 14

Kentucky at South Carolina (-22)
There really is only one word to describe last week's come-from-behind victory for South Carolina over Alabama...magical. You can get the sense that the 2001 season is turning into a season of destiny for Lou Holtz's Gamecocks. Even if you don't buy into that, you have to agree that Kentucky is vastly overmatched in this game. The Cats are just plain bad. Guy Morriss has been secretive all week about which QB will start, Shane Boyd or Jared Lorenzon, but let's be honest, Guy, it doesnt really matter. USC's defense was embarassed last week against Bama and Charlie Strong will have them motivated and ready to play this week. UK usually gives USC fits but not this year and not this USC team.
The Crippler picks SOUTH CAROLINA 28, KENTUCKY 9


GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29


Alabama at South Carolina (-6)
South Carolina has a very good chance to do something they have never done before when the Tide comes rolling into Columbia...they can actually defeat Bama on the football field. As of right now, USC is 0-10 against Alabama. Well, folks, you are about to witness history cuz that will change saturday. USC is flying high after two road wins over Top 25 teams and find themselves in the driver's seat in the SEC East. Bama had a good win over Arkansas last week but I'm not so sure that Bama's "great play" was more Arkansas' "awful play." This Tide team has talent but they haven't convinced me yet.
The Crippler picks SOUTH CAROLINA 24, ALABAMA 10

Mississippi (-8) at Kentucky
The Rebels finally get back on the field this week after 3 weeks off as they travel to the Bluegrass to take on the Wildcats. UK didn't play all that bad last week against Florida, at least they played well for the first half and take out a couple of VERY questionable calls for the Gators and the Cats were right in it. Of course, it wouldn't have mattered considering their second half meltdown. Ole Miss is still somewhat of a mystery at 1-1. Not sure what to expect out of the 2001 Rebels. Eli Manning is the real deal. I think that is for sure and UK simply cannot play defense, which spells another long day for the Big Blue.
The Crippler picks MISSISSIPPI 28, KENTUCKY 17

Mississippi State at Florida (-17)
Payback is the name of the game in Gainesville this week as Steve Spurrier gets a chance to avenge last year's embarassing loss in Starkville. Jackie Sherrill's boys are still reeling after last week's loss at home to South Carolina. I don't think MSU can handle the Swamp against a very determined Gator bunch. Sorry, Jackie, but this one is going to get ugly. UF has way too many weapons on both sides of the ball and the Bullies are a little weak on offensive side as Wayne Madkin has proved he cannot win the big one.
The Crippler picks FLORIDA 34, MISSISSIPPI STATE 14

Arkansas at Georgia (-10)
Georgia gets back to action this week after a 3 week layoff and they should have completely healed from the heartbreaking loss to South Carolina 3 weeks ago. UGa is ready to pound on someone and what better opponent to take out some frustration on than Arkansas. The Hogs looked pitiful last week and haven't looked any better in their other 3 games so far this year. The Arkansas offense is bad, real bad. They can't decide who should run the ball but the truth is, none of the RBs have performed up to expectations and the QB spot is a complete nightmare for Houston Nutt. The Hog defense is strong, however, but UGa gets things rolling with a big win in Athens.
The Crippler picks GEORGIA 28, ARKANSAS 7

Auburn (-5) at Vanderbilt
Auburn looks to rebound from a pounding at Syracuse last week as they travel to Nashville. Vanderbilt got their first win of the season last week against Richmond, but it was hardly an impressive effort, but then again, any win for the Commodores is impressive. The Tigers have a very young squad that was simply overmatched against the Cuse but that won't happen this weekend. Auburn will get their first conference win this weekend . Simply put, Vandy is not good enough to beat Auburn but I expect Vandy to play the Tigers tough, just because that is the trend for Vandy..to play close games but always lose.
The Crippler picks AUBURN 21, VANDERBILT 14

LSU at Tennessee (-10)
The Vols and Tigers will do battle Saturday night on Rocky Top. This game has potential to be great. UT wants to exact some revenge on LSU for last year's upset on the Bayou but do they have what it takes to make the deep and talented Tigers pay? Both teams have been off for 3 weeks so they will come into Neyland on even ground. This game will come down to which QB can make the plays, Rohan Davey for LSU or Casey Clausen for UT. Both QBs have a tendency to panic and make mistakes and both will be facing very tough defenses Saturday. All of this makes this game a tough one to pick but UT's defense is slightly better and they are at home but I think 10 points is a little high for this game.
The Crippler picks TENNESSEE 20, LSU 17


GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22


South Carolina at Mississippi State (-3.5)
The Gamecocks travel to Starkville to battle in the first SEC game since the terrible tragedies our country witnessed last week. At the beginning of the season, I saw this game as a definite win for the Bullies. Sherrill and the bunch have had this game marked for awhile ever since backup USC QB Erik Kimrey uttered the now famous words "Coach, I can throw the fade." Of course, Georgia fans had their game with USC circled too and now, they are force to push that circle back to next year. With everything that has happened to our great nation, this game takes on a much different meaning for these two teams. The first team who can actually focus on football and get back into a rhythm wins this game. It's that simple and since MSU has not played since September 3, the advantage goes to USC, especially since Dawg fans cannot bring their infamous cowbells into the stadium.
The Crippler picks SOUTH CAROLINA 17, MISSISSIPPI STATE 10

Florida (-31.5) at Kentucky
The Gators and Cats get back on the gridiron this weekend in their usual mismatch. UK might have had a chance if UF actually played Tennessee last weekend as planned. If that game had taken place, the Gators might have been a little banged up and not really focussed on Kentucky and UK could have surprised. Okay, probably not. This game was set to be a blowout from the beginning regardless of any other circumstances. The Gators win easily but they'll have to shake off early rust and that will keep them from covering.
The Crippler picks FLORIDA 42, KENTUCKY 14

Arkansas at Alabama (-9.5)
The Hogs and Tide are set to do battle in Tuscaloosa this weekend. Bama fans are not sure what to expect from the Tide this year. They have plenty of talent, but they had the same talent last year. They have plenty of off-the-field distractions. It's going to be a roller coaster from week to week for the Tide. They didn't perform badly against a good UCLA team in a loss and performed horribly against a bad Vandy team in a win. The Hogs, on the other hand, are searching for answers on offense and having Cedric Cobbs criticize the offensive line certainly cannot help that. I think the troubles continue for Cobbs and Arkansas against a tough Bama defense.
The Crippler picks ALABAMA 24, ARKANSAS 10

Richmond at Vanderbilt (no line)
Vandy steps out of conference again this weekend against the Spiders from Richmond. Last time Vandy played a small-time out of conference opponent, they were embarrased by Middle Tennessee State. Could it happen again? You bet it can. Richmond pushed Virginia right down to the wire a couple weeks back losing a heartbreaker by one point. Vandy hung right with Alabama last time out but then again, Vandy always plays Bama tough for some unknown reason. I think Vandy wins but it will be less than impressive.
The Crippler picks VANDERBILT 31, RICHMOND 17

Auburn at Syracuse (-2)
The Tigers step out of conference this weekend and travel to New York to take on the Orangemen. Syracuse has looked pretty good in a couple of losses to highly ranked teams in Georgia Tech and Tennessee. Auburn has looked good in wins over Ball State and Mississippi, not quite the same caliber as the Orangemen's opponents. Can a very young Auburn team win on the road? That's the question. Can the Tigers go on the road, put the tragic events of last week behind them and win? I don't think so. The Cuse has more experience and that will spell the difference in this one.
The Crippler picks SYRACUSE 23, AUBURN 20


GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8


Alabama (-10.5) at Vanderbilt
The Crimson Tide head North to Music City to take on the Commodores. Both teams are reeling from home losses the week before and both thought they should have won their games. The difference is Bama lost to a good UCLA Bruin team and Vandy lost to a lower-tier Middle Tennessee State team. That difference will decide this game. Vandy, quite simply, cannot compete with Bama right now. Alabama is still looking for Dennis Franchione's first win and it should come at Woody Widenhofer's expense. Vandy's defense, usually the team's strength, failed to even show up last week which is not good news with Freddie Milons, Ahmaad Galloway and Tyler Watts coming to town. I don't think a 10 point spread is enough in this one.
The Crippler picks ALABAMA 31, VANDERBILT 14

Ball State at Kentucky (-11)
The Ball State Cardinals continue their tour of the SEC with the trip to Lexington. They are the second straight Cardinals opponent on the schedule for UK after losing to Louisville last week. The good news is these Cardinals will not be able to dominate the Cats like last week's Cardinals did. This game might be Kentucky's only shot at a win this season based on their performance last week so Guy Morriss better make it count or he could go winless in his first season. I think they will get it done. UK's offense is still good enough to score some points, something Ball State did not do last week in Auburn.
The Crippler picks KENTUCKY 28, BALL STATE 14

Mississippi at Auburn (-5.5)
Eli Manning was outstanding last week, albeit against Murray State. He will need to have a repeat performance for the Rebels to knock off the Tigers in Auburn. Both teams had impressive wins last week but neither played a quality opponent so this game will go along way in answering the questions of whether either of these two are contendors. Mississippi's defense is somewhat skeptical as is Auburn's offense so expect a fairly even game. Auburn will have the home-field advantage and I think that will rattle the young Manning and keep him off-balanced and that will be the difference.
The Crippler picks AUBURN 24, MISSISSIPPI 13

Louisiana-Monroe at Florida (-56.5)
Yes, you read that right and it is not a typo, the line on this one is 56.5 points! I can't remember seeing a pointspread so large before. Most over/unders are not that large and the scary thing is, this was one of the toughest to pick the spread on. Now, there is no debate who will win the game. Florida is way too talented for Louisiana-Monroe but there will be a nice paycheck heading back to Louisiana with them. Thanks for playing the game Indians. With Tennessee coming to town next week, I don't expect Spurrier to show anything fancy and I don't expect the starters to play for long, and that will keep the game under the spread, although UF's second and third-teamers could still win this game by 30.
The Crippler picks FLORIDA 52, LOUISIANA-MONROE 7

South Carolina (-1.5) at Georgia
Hands down the Game of the Week in Athens this week. South Carolina comes calling on Georgia in a game that UGa fans have had circled for a long time now after last year's embarassment in Columbia. Neither team had much of a test in their opener and both played a very vanilla game so this one is really up in the air, as the constantly fluctuating pointspread has shown. UGa gets some of their starters back from last week's suspension and USC has some banged up bodies on defense. Mark Richt is coaching in his very first SEC game and his QB David Greene will be playing in his first SEC game. Given that this game has turned into a very heated, intense rivalry lately and it is on national TV on ESPN, the edge in experience has to go to the Gamecocks. About the only sure bet on this game is that Sanford Stadium will be rocking Saturday night but after last year, I make it a habit never to bet against Lou Holtz in big games when he has the more experienced team.
The Crippler picks SOUTH CAROLINA 20, GEORGIA 14

Utah State at LSU (-23)
Not much is known about Utah State. How good are they? What conference are they in? Are they even Division I-A? Well, LSU will learn those answers and they are yes they are pretty good, they are an Independent and they are Division I-A. Now, having said that. The Aggies are not in LSU's league and will not win in Baton Rouge. Expect a very respectable game from them as they will earn some respect but as for winning? Will not happen. LSU has too much firepower all around with names like Toefield, Reed, Davey, and Faulk.
The Crippler picks LSU 35, UTAH STATE 7

Tennessee (-13) at Arkansas
The Vols bring a battered bunch into Arkansas this week to face an Arkansas team who should be thanking their lucky stars to come away with a victory last week against UNLV. Arkansas looked horrible for all but the last drive of the game and luckily came away with the win. The only real question with this game is whether or not Tennessee will be looking ahead to next week's rematch with Florida. Remember, UT still feels they were robbed in Knoxville last year and feels like they have a score to settle. If the Vols don't come ready to play the Hogs or if John Henderson cannot play like John Henderson due to his ankle, don't be surprised to see Cedric Cobbs keep Arkansas in this game. Of course the problem for Cobbs is he will have to keep them in it cuz their isn't much else on offense.
The Crippler picks TENNESSEE 24, ARKANSAS 10


GAMES FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1


UNLV at Arkansas (-5.5)
UNLV brings it's high flying airshow to Arkansas to battle Houston Nutt's Hogs. UNLV is led by the best QB you've never heard of Jason Thomas. This kid is what makes the Rebels offense go. Shut him down and UNLV is shut down. Now, that is much easier said than done and Arkansas may not have the team to do it. Arkansas will have to control the ball and keep Thomas off the field. They will get a huge boost as Cedric Cobbs is reportedly back 100% after last season's injury but the Razorbacks are weak at QB and they lack a go-to WR. UNLV surprised Arkansas in last year's Las Vegas Bowl and don't think for one minute Houston Nutt will let his Hogs forget the embarassment as they strolled into that game thinking it was won simply because they are in the mighty SEC. This game will go down to the wire but I just can't see UNLV beating an SEC team twice in a row.
The Crippler picks ARKANSAS 31, UNLV 24
Actual Final Score ARKANSAS 14, UNLV 10

Middle Tennessee State at Vanderbilt (-7.5)
Can you believe it? An academic scandal at Vandy? What is this world coming to? Vandy RB Ray Perkins has now left the team due to allegations of cheating. Losing Perkins is a big blow to an already poor Vandy running game. The Commodores will desperately need senior Rodney Williams to step up to alleviate some of the pressure on QB Greg Zolman. Zolman is a very capable QB and has an outstanding WR to throw to in Dan Stricker. The problem for Coach Woody Widenhofer is that is just about all there is to the offense. The defense will again be respectable which should be enough to get by Middle Tennessee State, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, but don't be shocked to see the Blue Raiders pull the upset in this one.
The Crippler picks VANDERBILT 20, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE 10
Actual Final Score MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE 37, VANDERBILT 28

Louisville (-2.5)at Kentucky
There was a time, not too long ago, that this game was a laugher for UK. Well, not anymore. Now, it is the Cards who expect to win this game going away. New Kentucky :Head Coach Guy Morriss has named the offensive lineman-esque Jared Lorenzon as the starter and the Cats will score some points as Louisville's defense is not the team's strong point. The Cards, however, can also light up a scoreboard with the best of them. With QB Dave Ragone throwing to Deion Branch or handing off to RB Tony Stallings, I really can't see the Big Blue keeping pace with U of L. Sorry, Coach Morriss, this is not the way to start off your tenure but this one is going to hurt.
The Crippler picks LOUISVILLE 34, KENTUCKY 21
Actual Final Score LOUISVILLE 36, KENTUCKY 10

Arkansas State at Georgia (-35.5)
New Georgia head coach Mark Richt makes his debut in Athens on Saturday against Arkansas State, who is picked dead last in the Sun Belt Conference. OUCH! Well, Mark Richt should have fun in his opener and rest assured he will not do much to tip his hat with South Carolina and Lou Holtz coming to town next weekend. Richt is still unsure of a starting QB but it really doesn't matter. Both Cory Phillips and David Greene will get plenty of game time as UGa should dominate this game in all facets despite the many suspensions handed down by Coach Richt for this game. The only doubt in this one is whether the Dawgs cover the spread or not.
The Crippler picks GEORGIA 41, ARKANSAS STATE 10
Actual Final Score GEORGIA 45, ARKANSAS STATE 17

Syracuse at Tennessee (-14)
The Orangemen against the Big Orange. YUCK! Way too much orange in that stadium for this man! Anyway, the 'Cuse put a scare into Georgia Tech last weekend and they do have the benefit of playing a game already so they won't make as many first game mistakes as the Vols. Could an upset happen in Neyland on opening day? Probably not but stranger things have happened. Syracuse's defense proved last week that they are a force to be reckoned with and all of Tennessee's question marks are on offense. Now, the real question of this game will be can Syracuse put up any points on the UT defense led by all-world DL John Henderson? Probably not very many which is why UT wins this one but its not quite as comfortable as the Vol Navy would like.
The Crippler picks TENNESSEE 24, SYRACUSE 14
Actual Final Score TENNESSEE 33, SYRACUSE 9

Ball State at Auburn (-24)
The Ball State Cardinals pay a visit to the plains to take on Tommy Tuberville's Tigers. Auburn was hit hard by last year's NFL draft and graduation as almost all of the offense is gone. Many experts are picking Auburn to be near the bottom in the SEC pecking order. Well, Auburn may have their struggles but you won't be able to tell in this game. Ball State is simply overmatched. I expect Auburn to have some early "growing pains" as they break in all the new faces but they should still be able to put Ball State away .
The Crippler picks AUBURN 28, BALL STATE 7
Actual Final Score AUBURN 30, BALL STATE 0

Boise State at South Carolina (-19.5)
Boise State makes the trip east to take on Lou Holtz's Gamecocks. Boise State has quietly built a very respectable program and they are just looking for the one big win to get them over the hump into national respectability. They almost got it over Arkansas last season. Will this be the weekend? Well, South Carolina does have a history of being very generous to teams in need but the Gamecocks are also looking for a little national respect themselves, despite winning the Outback Bowl last year. The key to this game is very simple, returning players. The Broncos will break in a new QB and most of the defense, while South Carolina returns almost everyone. Boise State has a very talented RB in Brock Forsey and USC better hope the field goal game is not a big factor because BSU has a great kicker in Nick Calaycay. USC, on the other hand, has the size, speed and depth that Boise State does not and with the game being in Columbia, the Gamecocks will win but no goalposts are coming down in this opener.
The Crippler picks SOUTH CAROLINA 28, BOISE STATE 10


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