South Carolina vs Eastern Illinois 9/4/21 College Football Picks, Odds, Predictions

The South Carolina Gamecocks meet the Eastern Illinois Panthers Saturday in week 1 college football action at Williams-Brice Stadium. Eastern Illinois was 1-5 last season and three of those losses came on the road. South Carolina finished 2-8 last season and will see the head coaching debut of Shane Beamer.

The Eastern Illinois Panthers averaged 20 points and 320.5 yards per game last season. Eastern Illinois allowed an average of 33.5 points and 392.5 yards per game last season. Otto Kuhns should takeover at quarterback after 87 pass attempts last season. Jaelin Benefield will lead at running back after 59 rush attempts last season. Jay Vallie and DeWayne Cooks is a returning wide receiver duo that combined for 400 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Jason Johnson returns after leading Eastern Illinois with 66 tackles, Jordan Miles had two sacks and Anthony Shockey had one interception. The Eastern Illinois Panthers should be solid defensively with so much returning production, but there are questions on offense, especially at the quarterback position. This also isn’t the easiest debut for Eastern Illinois on the road. 

The South Carolina Gamecocks averaged 23.5 points and 355.1 yards per game last season. South Carolina allowed an average of 36 points and 451.5 yards per game last season. Luke Doty should takeover at quarterback after 71 pass attempts as a freshman. Kevin Harris returns at running back after leading the Gamecocks with 1,100 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Nick Muse and Xavier Legette is a receiving duo that combined for 500 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Damani Staley returns after 51 tackles last season, Kingsley Enagbare led South Carolina with six sacks and Cam Smith had two interceptions. South Carolina has a chance for a big bounce back season with playmakers on offense and experience on defense. If Doty ends up fulfilling expectations and can play well in a starting role, the Gamecocks have the ability to push the SEC East and are capable of an upset or two this season.

The Eastern Illinois Panthers struggled to finish drives in their season opener against Indiana State and turned the ball over three times. Things don’t get any easier against South Carolina on the road. Not the most talented team in the world, the South Carolina Gamecocks have enough playmakers on offense and solid returning players on defense to beat up on lesser opponents. This should be a comfortable win for the Gamecocks, however, there’s better betting options on Saturday’s loaded card.