South Carolina seems to be a sexy pick to be a team on the rise in 2018.

Not many folks will pick the Gamecocks to win the division, but if you’re looking for bold predictions, it wouldn’t be too crazy to see the Gamecocks win the division outright. After all, it’s Will Muschamp’s third season as the head coach, and he has a seasoned QB in Jake Bentley. That’s certainly a recipe for success.

Nonetheless, it’ll be tough to pick against defending champion Georgia, but ESPN’s Booger McFarland told Paul Finebaum the Gamecocks can really challenge the Bulldogs in the SEC East.

“I’m expecting big things from South Carolina,” McFarland said. “They are circling the second Saturday in September when they play Georgia, they are circling that date and they are looking forward to it in Columbia, South Carolina.”

The Gamecocks host the Bulldogs in week two, and that game, I’m sure, is already on the minds of Georgia fans. South Carolina has historically played UGA very tough, and with the Bulldogs losing so much talent and experience, this could set up nicely for South Carolina early in the season.

Outside of Georgia and Clemson, South Carolina could be favored in the remaining 10 games, as the schedule sets up well for a big season.