South Carolina vs. Auburn Prediction: Picks, betting odds, analysis, more

Auburn will have a knew quarterback when it travels to face South Carolina this Saturday. With the injury to Bo Nix last week, sophomore signal-caller TJ Finley will earn the start. This game is a reunion for current Auburn and former South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. 

Auburn’s offense likely needs to rely on the running game a bit more this week. Tank Bigsby is a solid player that can lead the Tigers to a win this week. With Finley‘s inexperience in the Auburn playbook, relying on the ground game could be the best gameplan option this week. 

South Carolina’s offense has to find a way to put up points on Auburn. The Gamecocks have only totaled 30-plus points in three games this season. 

Even with Auburn having defensive issues, Carolina’s offense is the key to a Gamecocks victory. Quarterback Luke Doty will be the domino factor in the unit’s success on Saturday. 

For Auburn’s defense, containing Doty in the pocket and not allowing a comeback this week is the key. Last week, the Tigers defense was exploited by Mississippi State in a game where Auburn held a 28-3 lead. Defensive coordinator Derek Mason has to devise a game plan to contain Carolina’s passing attack and force three-and-outs. 

Looking to South Carolina’s defense, getting pressure on Finley early will be the key. With Bobo now at Auburn, the Gamecocks coaching staff knows how his offense runs. That could be a determining factor in whether the Gamecocks earn a win. South Carolina must find a way to stop Auburn’s ground game and force Finley into unwanted passing attempts and create turnovers on Saturday.

South Carolina vs. Auburn Prediction

Nick Cole and Christopher Smith share their South Carolina vs. Auburn prediction and betting picks for Week 12 of the 2021 college football season.