The College football season’s debut on ESPN will kick off Thursday night at 7 PM ET with the Vanderbilt Commodores hosting the 9th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt odds have the Gamecocks favored by a TD on the spread (-7) in Vegas with Heisman Trophy candidate Marcus Lattimore leading the charge for South Carolina. Vanderbilt always plays hard against their high ranked SEC foes but can they cover the spread at home in the limelight? Our college football picks experts took a closer look. South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Odds have South Carolina listed at -7 on the spread.

College Football Picks Analysis: The last time Vandy played S.C. in their backyard they were tied with the Gamecocks 7-7 at halftime before S.C.’s defense tightened up for a 21-7 win. Vanderbilt’s athletic Senior QB Jordan Rogers will have the Commodores fired up but the inability to run the football against the Gamecocks front seven will be S.C.’s undoing. RB Zac Stacy is one of Vandy’s best players and he was stuffed by the Gamecocks run D. In last year’s 21-3 route of Vanderbilt the Gamecocks held Stacy and the Commodores to 4 yards of rushing. S.C.’s front four this season is among the best in the country and a smallish Commodore O-line will have trouble opening holes and pass-protecting. South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Odds Total is at

How well RB Marcus Lattimore returns from season ending injuries is yet to be seen but improved play from South Carolina Junior QB Connor Shaw and the passing game is recipe for a cover. If Marcus Lattimore is 100% he should go for 150+ yards. Vandy plays South Carolina tough but the Gamecocks have enough talent this year to cover this relatively small spread.
College Football Picks Play: South Carolina -7 (1 UNIT $1000 to win $900)

Vegas Sharps Spread: South Carolina -11.5

South Carolina/Vanderbilt

Pass Offense: 7/5

Run Offense: 10/6

Pass Defense: 8/5

Run Defense: 8/6

Special Teams: 5/6

Coaching: 8/7

Home Field Edge: Vandy +3.5

Frank Carnevale

Las Vegas resident Frank Carnevale has handicapped sports in Sin City for over 20 years. Frank specializes in Football, UFC and Horse Racing. Carnevale is a member of the Vegas Sharps sports syndicate that has been in business for over 8 years.