Old Dominion vs South Carolina Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

In this article we will formulate an Old Dominion vs South Carolina prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this matchup. 

Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Preview

The Old Dominion Monarchs went 6-7 (5-3) last season and they finished tied for third in the Sun Belt East division. Old Dominion started the season with a 36-17 loss against Virginia Tech, but they were 4-3 through seven games. The Monarchs lost the next three games against James Madison, Coastal Carolina, and Liberty, but did finish the regular season with wins against Georgia Southern and Georgia State. Old Dominion lost the Famous Toastery Bowl against WKU by a score of 38-35 in overtime. 

Old Dominion does return their starting quarterback, Grant Wilson, this season. Wilson should have another solid season, but he did lose one of his top receivers to the portal. The offensive line was an issue for most of the 2023 season, but I do think they will be better in 2024. On the ground, the Old Dominion leading rusher from last season is gone and there isn’t a ton to work with at that position. 

South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview

The South Carolina Gamecocks were 5-7 (3-5) last year and they finished tied for fourth in the SEC East with Florida and Kentucky. South Carolina opened the season by losing their first two FBS games against North Carolina and Georgia, but they did keep the game competitive against the Bulldogs. South Carolina was 2-2 through four games, but they lost four in a row and allowed 30 points in all four games. The Gamecocks did wrap up the season by winning three of their last four games, but couldn’t get by Clemson in the finale to clinch a bowl berth. 

South Carolina will have a new starting quarterback this season, but they do have plenty of decent options to choose from. The receiver group lost a ton of production from 2023, so that position is going to be a major question mark. On the positive side, the Gamecocks have two solid running back options to help out the new QB. 

Why South Carolina will beat Old Dominion

• Old Dominion has lost each of its last five road openers.
• The favorite has won each of South Carolina’s last seven games at Williams-Brice Stadium.
• South Carolina has covered the spread in five of its last six games as a favorite.
• Old Dominion has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.

Total Points Facts

• Four of Old Dominion’s last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Four of South Carolina’s last five games against non-conference opponents at Williams-Brice Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• South Carolina ranked 24th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.583).
• South Carolina ranked T32nd among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (5.3).
• Old Dominion was one of only seven FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
• Old Dominion was one of only eight FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.

Old Dominion vs South Carolina Prediction 

South Carolina didn’t get to a bowl game last season, but they also didn’t really have any bad losses. The Gamecocks should be fine offensively in this game, as they will move the ball with ease on the ground. Old Dominion does have a decent quarterback situation that could make a few plays against this South Carolina defense, but they don’t have enough firepower to keep pace with the SC offense. Take the Gamecocks to pull away in the second half for the cover.