Game Preview and Analysis

Three Key Matchups

NC State DE Bradley Chubb vs. USC LT Malik Young

The Gamecocks offensive line struggled mightily at times last fall, giving up 41 total sacks in 2016. One of the biggest position battles coming into 2017 was the spot at LT. Malik Young battled Dennis Daley all throughout camp, before eventually pulling away and being named the starter. Young, who played primarily inside last season, will have a new challenge ahead of him dealing with speed rushers off the edge. His first test brings him no favors in NFL caliber defensive end Bradley Chubb. Chubb gave QB’s nightmares last fall, registering 10.5 sacks. Young will need to contain Chubb in order to keep Bentley upright and contain him in the running game as well.

USC WR Bryan Edwards vs. NC State Secondary

It seems strange to call Bryan Edwards the forgotten man. The sophomore had one of the best seasons by a WR in school history, hauling in 44 catches for 490 yards and four TDs. The Wolfpack are very thin in the secondary, losing Sr. Mike Stevens due to a leg injury earlier in the week. Edwards ability to use his body and shield off smaller defenders gave him the advantage over most DBs last fall and should help in this contest as well. With all of the attention on WR Deebo Samuel and TE Hayden Hurst, look for Edwards to have a big game against a depleted NC State secondary.

NC State WR Jaylen Samuels vs. USC LB Skai Moore

Jaylen Samuels proved to be a big time play-maker for NC State last fall. The senior hauled in 55 catches for 565 yards and 7 TDs. He also ran for 189 yards and 6 additional TDs. Samuel’s showed a great versatility, being able to play at WR, TE, and RB for Dave Doren’s club. The Gamecocks get a huge boost this season in the return of their senior leader Skai Moore. Moore returns after sitting out last season with a neck injury. He led the Gamecocks in tackles in his first three years and is second all time in INTs. Moore has always had a knack for the big play. He picked off North Carolina QB Marquise Williams twice in Bank of America Stadium two seasons ago. It will be up to Moore to keep a close eye on Samuels and limit his role on Saturday.

Prediction

Here we go. This may be one of the most underrated match-ups of the weekend. NC State looks to meet pre-season expectations, as some in the media have tabbed the Wolfpack dark-horses to win the ACC Atlantic and even make the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, South Carolina looks to ride momentum they built in Will Muschamp’s first season.

The Wolfpack feature one of the best front 7’s in all of college football, led by senior Bradley Chubb. South Carolina, while young, brings a very talented defense led by Skai Moore at LB. Jake Bentley leads an offensive group that has been regarded by some as potentially one of the best offenses in the SEC. WR Deebo Samuel, TE Hayden Hurst, and WR Bryan Edwards lead the receiving corps and all three look to have big years. RB Rico Dowdle is the returning leader in the backfield. He’ll be accompanied by AJ Turner and UNC transfer Ty’son Williams, giving the Gamecocks a stable of three solid backs.

Kurt Roper and co. will need to come out with a creative gameplan offensively in order to slow down the NC State pass rush. While the Pack are great up front, look for South Carolina’s underrated offensive line to have a solid performance. This will be a back and forth affair until late into the game and should go down to the wire. Look for Jake Bentley to take advantage of the depleted Wolfpack secondary and LB Skai Moore to make a big play down the stretch to give the Gamecocks the win in Charlotte.

Final Score: Carolina 27, NC State 24