Throughout the first 7 games of South Carolina’s, it has been up-and-down for the Gamecocks. South Carolina hasn’t been able to put a full game together. The Gamecocks went to Athens and were up 11 on Georgia at the half, but then were outscored 21-0 in the second half. The defense has started to struggled recently, giving up an average of 38.6 points during the 3-game losing streak.

The game on Saturday against Missouri was over pretty early, as the Tigers were up 14-0 after 1 and 24-3 at the half. It was the running game of Missouri that gave South Carolina issues, as Tigers running back Cody Schrader rushed the ball 26 times for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns.

South Carolina is now 2-5, but the schedule does open enough for the Gamecocks to still have a chance of making a bowl game. After this weekend’s game at Texas A&M, the Gamecocks final four games will be at home.

With all due reverence to the Fearless Prediction (which I hope you read on a weekly basis), let’s try to predict what the Gamecocks do the rest of the way. Keep in mind that these are picks that we are making on Oct. 22. Injuries, momentum … that type of stuff could change our selections as time goes on.

Week 9: at Texas A&M

Skinny: The Gamecocks were finally able to beat the Aggies last year, which was the first time since they became SEC West rivals.

South Carolina enters this game as 14-point underdogs at Texas A&M. Even though they got the win last year, the Aggies have still dominated this matchup recently.

The game is in College Station, and the last time South Carolina was there, the Gamecocks lost 44-14 in 2021. The Aggies enter this game at 4-3, and are coming off a bye. Texas A&M has been extremely close recently getting a big win, as their two previous losses before the bye were to Alabama (26-20) and Tennessee (20-13).

South Carolina still has a great chance to go on a solid run and make a bowl, but it won’t start this week.

Prediction: Texas A&M 34, South Carolina 21

Week 10: vs. Jacksonville State

Skinny: You have to love the November SEC matchups with non-conference opponents; it tends to be the perfect time for many teams to get back on the right track.

Jacksonville State is already bowl eligible and a solid team, but this is a great game for the Gamecocks to start their run to a bowl berth.

Prediction: South Carolina 38, Jacksonville State 21

Week 11: vs. Vanderbilt

Skinny: The Commodores are currently 2-6 on the season, and there are some tough matchups for this team. These two teams squared off last year at Vanderbilt, and the Gamecocks were able to get the 38-27 win.

With a chance to remain in bowl contention, this is a game where South Carolina has a huge offensive performance. Look for Spencer Rattler to have his best game of the season, and throw for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Prediction: South Carolina 35, Vanderbilt 20

Week 12: vs. Kentucky

Skinny: This is the game that will determine how big the final game of the season will be. If these predictions hold true, the Gamecocks will be 4-6 entering this game. More importantly, the Gamecocks would still be in contention of making a bowl game.

Kentucky at times this year has looked very good, and at other times not so much. Are these the best two teams in the SEC? Nope, but this could end up being one of those exciting games that takes over a weekend.

Prediction: South Carolina 31, Kentucky 29 3OT

Week 13: vs. Clemson

Skinny: Last year when these two teams played, it was an absolutely thrilling game. The Gamecocks came back from a 14-0 first quarter deficit to get the 31-30 win in Death Valley. It was a huge rivalry as it was their second consecutive win against a Top-10 team. It also eliminated the Tigers of potentially making the college football playoff.

While the game won’t have those implications this year, this will still be a big game. With a win, the Gamecocks would be in a bowl, and get a second consecutive victory in this series. Getting the win to end the season with 4 straight wins would be a huge accomplishment for the program.

Prediction: South Carolina 24, Clemson 21