Jacob Bunn's 2011 South Carolina Football Preview

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Jacob Bunn

Predicted 2011 Record:  10-2 (6-2)

Big things are expected in Columbia again this year, and that is becoming the norm. Last season, Steve Spurrier coached the Gamecocks to their first SEC Championship Game appearance. This year, South Carolina supporters believe that it can happen again, but this time with more on the line. The major obstacles standing in the way of a BCS run are a tough schedule and a question at quarterback.

This is how I see South Carolina’s 2011 season shaking out:

Sept 3 – East Carolina (Charlotte, NC) – Win 27-17

Sept 10 – @Georgia – Loss 20-14

Sept 17 – Navy – Win 38-9

Sept 24 – Vanderbilt – Win 24-17

Oct 1 – Auburn – Win 25-16

Oct 8 – Kentucky – Win 26-21

Oct 15 – @Mississippi State – Loss 28-24

Oct 22 – Off

Oct 29 – @Tennessee – Win 24-14

Nov 5 – @Arkansas – Win 31-24

Nov 12 – Florida – Win 24-17

Nov 19 – The Citadel – Win 48-3

Nov 26 – Clemson – Win 27-17

The schedule sets up fairly tough for the Gamecocks this year. Arguably the most important game of the season comes on the second week against Georgia. The winner of that contest will have the inside track to claim the SEC East. Then, after a few winnable games at home, South Carolina has to contend with trips to Starkville, Knoxville, and Fayetteville in four weeks. I believe South Carolina has a  very talented team and is capable of a championship season. But, my prediction of two losses is predicated on the rigorous nature of the schedule.

Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn