South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.OTHER PICKSS. Carolina 38, Furman 9Va. Tech 24, Pittsburgh 20Syracuse 29, Wake Forest 21Virginia 21, Duke 20Louisville 30, N.C. State 19Clemson 27, Boston Coll. 20UAB 34, MTSU 29West Virginia 38, Baylor 31Oklahoma 27, Kansas St. 24TCU 40, Oklahoma State 27Michigan St. 34, Indiana 13USC 37, Colorado 24Marshall 38, FIU 10Ohio State 48, Rutgers 21UCLA 26, California 23Nebraska 21, Northwestern 17Oregon 34, Washington 20
South Carolina has two victories within its first six games over opponents currently ranked in the top 20.
Before the season, that formula would have led to the assumption the Gamecocks were on their way to another 11-win season. What wasn't expected was a lopsided opening loss to Texas A&M and fourth-quarter meltdowns against the unranked tandem of Missouri and Kentucky that countered quality wins over Georgia and East Carolina.
The Gamecocks had an open date last week after a 3-3 start, with the second half of their season beginning Saturday with Furman.
"I think our guys are ready to play well," Steve Spurrier said Wednesday on the SEC teleconference. "We really believe we've got a good team, but we've got to win the close ones just like we've won in the past to go 11-2. As they say, 'It is what it is,' and we're just trying to play better."
Spurrier vented about being embarrassed after giving up two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the 48-34 win at Vanderbilt on Sept. 20. He did not voice nearly as much displeasure following the ensuing losses to Missouri and Kentucky, even after the late unravelings.
Why the more composed Spurrier?
"You can only scream and yell once or twice a year, and I've already done that," he said.
South Carolina has allowed 20 or more points in every game and has yielded more than 30 points four times. On Saturday, third-year defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward will work from the booth for the first time.
"That was his idea," Spurrier said. "I said, 'That's fine with me. Go on up there and see if you can see a little bit better.' We've got a couple of signal guys down below, so we'll see if that helps us."
Pasquali's Pix:
UTC at The Citadel: Not to take away from UTC's accomplishments the past few seasons, but whatever became of SoCon football? Mocs 29, Bulldogs 10.
Texas A&M at Alabama: Once again, it appears Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin is getting paid by points allowed. Crimson Tide 35, Aggies 22.
Georgia at Arkansas: The Razorbacks have been knocking on the door of a big victory for too long now. Razorbacks 20, Bulldogs 17.
Missouri at Florida: Next to Brady vs. Manning, there is no greater quarterback showdown in football than Maty Mauk vs. Jeff Driskel. Gators 20, Tigers 13.
Tennessee at Ole Miss: It's been "Good Bo" Wallace in SEC games, as the Rebels quarterback has been turnover-free against Vanderbilt, Alabama and Texas A&M. Rebels 31, Volunteers 10.
Georgia Tech at North Carolina: The Yellow Jackets have won five straight against the Tar Heels, eight of nine, and 14 of 16. Yellow Jackets 28, Tar Heels 24.
Kentucky at LSU: The last two trips to Baton Rouge for the Wildcats have resulted in 49-0 and 35-7 losses. Saturday night will be different. Tigers 29, Wildcats 28.
Notre Dame at Florida State: Bo Jackson on the Jim Rome Show when asked about some stern advice he gave Jameis Winston: "If I told you what I told him, it would probably singe the hairs in your ears." Seminoles 34, Irish 17.
Last week:
Winners.....................19
Autograph sessions....6
Pasquali is 143-32 overall (81.7 percent) this season.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.