Inside the Game

Here's a look at what could make the difference when South Carolina and North Carolina State meet tonight in Raleigh:

N.C. State's defensive line

A lot of people are curious to see South Carolina's revamped offensive line. It'll sure get tested right out the chute. With vets such as Willie Young, it's not as if the Gamecocks will get a learning-curve game up front. Look for Eric Wolford to have an irritated look on his face, even if things are going well.

Garcia's trigger finger

South Carolina coaches want Garcia to become more of a game manager than a game winner, if that makes sense. That means (way) fewer turnovers, (way) smarter play. Can he make strides toward that? Will he know when to throw and when to run? Answer: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But will he make the right play at the critical time?

Make them miss

When's the last time you saw a Gamecock shake a defender out of his shoes? Exactly. Guys like Jarvis Giles need to show the elusiveness that they are billed to have. This goes for receivers, too. Big men like Tori Gurley and Alshon Jeffery need to shed some DBs, get some extra yards.

Outlook

What seems to be getting ignored in this game is that South Carolina has better athletes and more athletes across the board. That, and the fact that the Wolfpack hasn't exactly come out firing to begin the past two seasons. It won't be pretty, but it won't be all that difficult for the Gamecocks. Release the pigeons: With two backs above 80 yards, South Carolina runs -- yes, runs -- its way to victory.

Prediction

South Carolina 28, N.C. State 17