WHAT’S AT STAKE: Can Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks match preseason expectations? How will Jadeveon Clowney look in his nationally-televised debut? Will East Carolina’s spread be able to move the ball against the SEC’s top defensive line but struggling secondary? Good news for sophomore tailback Marcus Lattimore and the Gamecocks is that East Carolina’s defense, even with a “new and improved” 3-4 alignment, shouldn’t put up much of a fight against an offense projected to be the SEC East’s best.

WHEN THE GAMECOCKS HAVE THE BALL: Early, all eyes will be on fifth-year quarterback Stephen Garcia, picked by most to be the one player keeping South Carolina away from BCS stardom. While Spurrier hasn’t announced a starter at quarterback as of Monday, every Gamecock fan expects No. 5 to trot out with the first team offense in the first quarter. With the Pirates focused on limiting Lattimore’s yardage, Garcia should have opportunities down the field, outlets for big gains with on-target throws. The game will be decided up front, a fresh offensive unit itching to crunch pads with a competitor for the first time since a disappointing effort New Year’s Eve against Florida State. With Lattimore at 100 percent combined with fellow Heisman candidate Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina’s O should eclipse 400 total yards in Charlotte. If the Pirates have plans to start 1-0, pressuring Garcia, or Connor Shaw, should be their focus. ECU will be playing without cornerback Emanuel Davis, a two-time all-conference selection. Not ideal for a unit that gave up 44 points per game a season ago.

WHEN THE PIRATES HAVE THE BALL: South Carolina knows ECU’s strategy is to throw it as much as possible. The Pirates’ offensive line is especially proficient at pass protection, giving up just 15 sacks in 2010. In comparison, the Gamecocks defense line accumulated 41 sacks a season ago and added the country’s top high school defensive end in the offseason. Something has to give at the line of scrimmage when these teams meet. Looking at footage of ECU’s offense, on average, the football is out of Davis’ hand before defenders get in the backfield. Screens and slants are the Pirates’ go-to plays and Davis has mastered the art of hitting his slot receiver before defenders converge. A preseason All-Conference USA nominee, Davis threw 37 touchdown passes to 16 interceptions in 2010. I expect him to reach the end zone three times against South Carolina, but 21 points won’t be enough to win.

KEY MATCHUP: South Carolina’s secondary vs. ECU QB Dominique Davis. ECU offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley says Davis could be a Heisman candidate by mid-season and that this year’s team could have the best offense in college football. In my opinion, the Gamecocks should be more worried about Aaron Murray’s arm in Week 2 than Davis under center this weekend at Bank of America Stadium. Davis is likely to pass for more than 300 yards Saturday since the Pirates will be playing from behind much of the game. South Carolina’s secondary ranked 97th against the pass last season, but I expect some of those missed assignments and bad plays to evaporate in 2011. South Carolina being on upset alert is a little far-fetched, but Davis could make Gamecock fans nervous if the Pirates keep it a one-score game midway through the fourth quarter.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Besides a few new players in Garnet and Black making their college football debuts, Jadeveon Clowney, Bruce Ellington and Damiere Byrd, the 12th-ranked Gamecocks will don new Under Armour jerseys under the lights. Reaction was mixed when South Carolina unveiled its new digs earlier this year, but we’ll see how fans react Saturday night when they see them on the field.

PREDICTION: East Carolina’s spread attack should keep the Pirates within striking distance for 2.5, maybe even three quarters, but if Davis throws interceptions and his team gets behind by a touchdown or two, South Carolina should easily be able to cover the spread. A loss for the Gamecocks would dampen the preseason hype put on South Carolina and its fan base that is calling this year’s team the best in recent memory, most likely ever. Spurrier’s squad has more riding on this game than the Pirates and I expect Garcia to spread it around without much difficulty against ECU’s D. For SEC fans worried about an opening weekend slip-up, it won’t be from the Gamecocks… South Carolina 42, East Carolina 24