First look: Top storylines, betting odds for USC vs. Charlotte football game
South Carolina football continues its home-stand this Saturday when it hosts the Charlotte 49ers.
The Gamecocks enter the game off the heels of its 48-7 loss to No. 1 Georgia. Charlotte just picked up its first win with a 42-41 victory over Georgia State — a team South Carolina defeated earlier this season.
This will be the first time USC and Charlotte have played each other.
South Carolina vs. Charlotte game info, TV
Who: Charlotte 49ers (1-3) at South Carolina Gamecocks (1-2)
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ESPNU
Stream: via ESPN app
USC vs. Charlotte betting line
South Carolina is a 21.5-point favorite over the 49ers, according to VegasInsider’s consensus line.
Gamecocks try to snap losing streak
South Carolina has played two straight games against teams currently in The Associated Press Top 10, losing both of those by multiple scores.
The Gamecocks lost to Arkansas on the road and Georgia at home but will break from SEC play to face the 49ers of Conference USA.
Charlotte has struggled this year, though it did pick up a win against a Georgia State team that gave South Carolina some trouble during week one. Still, the 49ers are just 1-3 overall.
Saturday presents an opportunity for USC to get back in the win column before playing another out-of-conference opponent, S.C. State, the following weekend.
Can Spencer Rattler get on track?
After three games, USC’s new starting quarterback hasn’t quite looked like his old, Heisman-contending self.
Spencer Rattler has thrown five interceptions to just two touchdowns, with a completion rate under 60%. The play calling has varied in each game, and the team is still experimenting with its new offseason roster additions.
He found consistency with 15 completions to Antwane Wells in the first to games. Against UGA, however, Wells didn’t record a catch.
The Gamecocks’ pass protection has also been under fire some this season, with Rattler frequently moving outside of the pocket. Some of those plays are by design, though the defenses USC’s played so far have been able to get into the backfield.
Charlotte finally gets a win
The 49ers narrowly avoided starting 0-4, beating Georgia State by a point.
The team picked up 401 yards through the air and 100 on the ground. Though it struggled defensively, it held on as wide receiver Grant DuBose scored a late touchdown to put the team up by one point.
Like USC, Charlotte is below .500 and in need of some wins. The team is 15-20 under head coach Will Healy, who took over in 2019.
Getting another win will be a tall task against an SEC opponent, but both teams are entering Saturday in dire need of victories.
Gamecocks and 49ers players to watch
Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina: Emmanwori continues to be a bright spot for the Gamecocks’ defense, as he led the team in tackles against Georgia with 14. He’s also the team’s leading tackler for 2022, so his presence on defense could aid South Carolina against Charlotte.
Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina: Brooks is second on the team in yards and receptions, and has multiple catches in every game so far. His ability to find ways to get open gives USC options in an offense that’s still figuring itself out.
Chris Reynolds, QB, Charlotte: Reynolds a career-high threw five touchdowns in Charlotte’s win against Georgia State. He’s been with the 49ers offense since 2018, and has played in all four years of the Healy era.
Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte: Charlotte’s leader in catches and touchdowns, DuBose presents a legitimate threat to South Carolina. At 6-foot-3, he’s one of the team’s best targets. He finished last week’s game with nine catches for 85 yards and two scores.
