Georgia Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks (9/17/22) Odds, Picks, Predictions

Georgia leapfrogged Alabama for the top AP spot after Alabama laid an egg at Texas. The Bulldogs rolled over Oregon in Week 1 and then beat Samford by an appropriate amount in Week 2.

Meanwhile, the Spencer Rattler era in Columbia is off to a shaky start. The win over Georiga State was solid but somewhat lucky, while the loss to Arkansas was almost embarrassing.

I’m worried for Rattler today against this Georgia defense. Do the Gamecocks have a chance?

Let’s break it down. Read on for our Georgia Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks odds, picks, and predictions.

Georgia Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks

Back in early May, the sportsbooks had this line at Georgia -13.5. It’d be nice to get that line right now.

The sportsbooks adjusted this line to Georgia -24.5 after Georgia’s dominant two opening victories and South Carolina’s tough Week 2 loss. That number feels about right, although money continues to flood in toward’s Georgia.

The over has taken all the money, also, being pushed up higher and higher from the opening number of 46.5. The newly-explosive Georgia offense with Stetson Bennett has convinced many in the sports betting community.

Georgia Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks Prediction & Pick

This is a complete mismatch in the trenches.

The Gamecocks actually returned a lot of production, specifically on the offensive side. The Gamecocks returned nine offensive starters and all five offensive linemen. That has led to below-average ratings in Standard Downs Success Rate and Standard Downs EPA per play.

Georgia, on the other hand, is top-20 in both statistics on defense.

The Gamecocks lost three starters on the defensive line, and that has caused many more issues. The Gamecocks rank outside the top-100 in both Standard Downs Success Rate allowed and Standard Downs EPA per play allowed. The Gamecocks are allowing 13.5 rush first downs per game and 250 rush yards per game at almost five yards per carry.

Georgia, on the other hand, is top-10 in both statistics on offense.

The only way the Gamecocks compete is via big passing plays. Rattler has accumulated over 600 yards in just two games at eight yards per attempt while making throws like this:

I truly think Spencer Rattler can bounce back this season and become a legit NFL prospect.

This throw is literally insane. Perfect touch, velocity and ball placement while throwing on the run.pic.twitter.com/iDTHgrBd6e

— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) September 4, 2022

But he’s also been unable to consistently move the chains via short passes and has already thrown three picks to just two touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Georgia is literally the top team in the nation in preventing Explosive Plays. They tore down a similar quarterback in Oregon’s Bo Nix – a guy who is explosive but reckless – and will do the same to Rattler.

This is a blowout.

Georgia Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks Key Matchups

Key Matchup: Spencer Rattler and his Offensive Line vs Georgia’s Pass Rush

Georgia brought back just one starter in the front seven. They dominated Oregon and Nix by creating eight Havoc plays, but they also created zero quarterback hurries and zero sacks. The secondary is likely the best in the nation, but there are some issues upfront.

Rattler should have all the time in the world to read the defense, but can he avoid reckless plays against the most talented secondary in the nation?

Coverage and pressure go hand-in-hand, so I’m a little worried about Georgia’s defense against a quarterback like Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. This will be a good test for them. The Gamecocks have an experienced offensive line. Kirby Smart needs his young front seven to grow up quickly.