South Carolina game-by-game predictions: ESPN’s FPI predicts Gamecocks’ season

Once one of the top programs in the SEC, South Carolina digressed under Will Muschamp. Now, under Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks start a new chapter in Columbia.

ESPN’s FPI projections are out for the 2021 season, and if they’re correct, it will certainly be a transitional year for South Carolina. It is projected to finish 5-7.

FCS Eastern Illinois kicks off the schedule on Sept. 4 at Williams-Brice Stadium, with the Gamecocks being given a 98.8 percent chance of victory in what’s overwhelmingly their easiest game of the year, followed by a trip to East Carolina. Then comes the SEC opener at Georgia, with South Carolina given a 6.9 percent chance of victory.

The annual Palmetto Bowl matchup on the last Saturday of November shifts to Columbia this year, but Clemson is a heavy favorite to beat their in-state rivals once more.

Below are the FPI’s game-by-game predictions for South Carolina:

• Sept. 4 vs. Eastern Illinois: 98.8 percent chance of winning
• Sept. 11 at East Carolina: 68.4 percent chance of winning
• Sept. 18 at Georgia: 6.9 percent chance of winning
• Sept. 25 vs. Kentucky: 42.5 percent chance of winning
• Oct. 2 vs. Troy: 61.1 percent chance of winning
• Oct. 9 at Tennessee: 31.2 percent chance of winning
• Oct. 16 vs. Vanderbilt: 81.7 percent chance of winning
• Oct. 23 at Texas A&M: 6.8 percent chance of winning
• Nov. 6 vs. Florida: 22.1 percent chance of winning
• Nov. 13 at Missouri: 29.8 percent chance of winning
• Nov. 20 vs. Auburn: 25.2 percent chance of winning
• Nov. 27 vs. Clemson: 5.4 percent chance of winning

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.