The Las Vegas sports books have released lines for all of the Thursday night games during opening week. That includes two SEC outings, of course.

While the rest of the betting lines have yet to be released, these games offer an early look at the perception of two SEC East teams.

OPENING-GAME LINES

South Carolina vs. North Carolina

Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
Kickoff Time: 6 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Line: Gamecocks -3

Thoughts: CG Technology lists the over/under at 65 points. Coupled with the game line, we can surmise that Vegas is projecting something like South Carolina 34, North Carolina 31. In other words, the team with the most improved defense should win. Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik is the new coordinator for the Tar Heels, while Steve Spurrier bought on Jon Hoke as his co-coordinator after last year’s debacle.

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt

Location: Vanderbilt Stadium (Nashville)
Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Line: Commodores -1.5

Thoughts: Vandy coach Derek Mason needs to win an SEC game and avoid an 0-16 start in the conference his first two seasons. Perhaps more than that, he needs to perform well against several feisty non-conference foes from Group of 5 conferences. First up: Western Kentucky, a team that ended Marshall’s perfect season last year. The Hilltoppers feature an explosive offense, which should force the stagnant Commodores offense to get into the end zone a few times in order to win.

*Odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com.