South Carolina at Auburn

This certainly is not a vintage South Carolina team, but there is still plenty of talent on the field. I think a pair of ranked teams in East Carolina and Georgia would attest to that. The Tigers aren't as explosive as they were last year when they made their way to the BCS Championship game, and have failed to cover three of their last four and it will be interesting to see how this team recovers from their first loss. Auburn could be looking right past this game, as they have Ole Miss on deck on the road. This will also be the highest total that either of these teams have played to this season, and I think it is a bit overdone. Auburn has had some defensive gaffs, but have also had some bright moments. I think the challenge of slowing down this Auburn offense will bring the best out of them. Auburn spent a lot of time on their running game, which generated 1.2 yards more on first down a year ago vs. this year. I also think they are going to do a lot of running in this one, which keeps the clock moving, and a shorter game makes a big number harder to cover. The Gamecocks have been at their best off a win of 20 points or more as they are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 in this spot. Auburn has played UNDER to a 6-1-1 mark in their last eight when following a bye, and with the emphasis on the running attack, I think this one falls shy of the total. Play on South Carolina and the UNDER.