The #15 ranked Gamecocks (5-1) will go into Mississippi today to face Mississipi State (3-3). The Gamecocks will start quarterback Connor Shaw after Stephen Garcia was dismissed from the team after recieving 6 suspensions. Garcia has thrown for just 844 in a span of six games, as well as thrown 9 interceptions and only 4 touchdowns this season. Connor Shaw has looked good in previous games he has played. Specifically Kentucky, where he threw for 4 touchdowns. Even if Shaw were to struggle, he has a solid defense and great running game in Marcus Lattimore (146 attempts, 779 yards, 9 TDs) to back him up. Mississpipi State has looked decent this year, and though 3-3, has had losses to quality teams (Auburn, LSU, Georgia). Unfortunately, South Carolina is another quality team. I think they are the pick here.
Pick #2 Illinois Fighting Illini
The #16 Fighting Illini will go into this game 6-0 hosting the 3-3 Ohio State Buckeyes. Similar to the Mississippi State pick, Ohio State has had quality losses besides Miami (lossed to Michigan State and Nebraska). Ohio State still has yet to win on the road after losing to Miami and Nebraska, but looks to change that today. For Illinois, in addition to a good defense, they also have managed a good offense with a running game that averages about 226 yards per game lead by dual running backs Troy Pollard and Nathan Scheelhaase. Illinois has looked impressive so far this season. I don't think very many people expected them to be 6-0 this far in the season a year ago. I think today they make it 7-0. If Ohio State had homefield advantage this would be a completely different scenario. But when the significantly better team has homefeild advantage in college football, its hard to pick against them. Illini for the win.
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