Not much respect for Bulldogs

While the only gambling we officially endorse around here is the Beat Burger contest, we do occasionally look at the betting lines to see what the other experts think.

This week, the gambling gurus have consistently kept the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs as a mere 7-point favorite over South Carolina, a team that just lost to Vanderbilt.

The reason?

There are many.

For one thing, USC coach Steve Spurrier seems to have Georgia's number. He owned the Bulldogs during his decade of dominance at Florida and beat Mark Richt's team last year in a stunner in Athens.

Another reason is that UGA, for whatever reason, never seems to play well against the Gamecocks. Especially in Columbia.

Add all that up and you might understand why a lot of folks still think USC can find a way to beat a team that started out as the preseason pick to win it all this year, is 2-0 on the season and is loaded with talent.

Make sense?

We'll see.

The picks

N.C. STATE at CLEMSON — Despite all the hoopla, these Tigers are still suspect. That bad loss to Alabama was only made worse by the fact The Citadel racked up 427 yards of offense against the Clemson defense. The Wolfpack, however, isn't The Citadel.

CLEMSON by 12.

GEORGIA at SOUTH CAROLINA — If the Bulldogs are the second-best team in the country, they need to make a statement in Williams-Brice Stadium today.

GEORGIA by 21.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. S.C. STATE — This should be a great day for everybody as these two teams do battle in Johnson Hagood Stadium here in Charleston. The battle of the bands might even be better.

S.C. STATE by 10.

CALIFORNIA at MARYLAND — The Terps just don't carry the weight they used to. Unless you factor in coach Ralph Friedgen.

CALIFORNIA by 15.

NAVY at DUKE — The Blue Devils' huge home field advantage (average attendance 20,064) could turn the tide.

DUKE by 3.

AUBURN at MISSISSIPPI STATE — I think Auburn is a team that will contend for the SEC title this year.

AUBURN by 20.

GEORGIA TECH at VIRGINIA TECH — Paul Johnson is doing the same thing in Atlanta that he did in Annapolis and Statesboro — win.

GEORGIA TECH by 6.

MICHIGAN at NOTRE DAME — This would be a great week for Charlie Weis to turn things around for the Fighting Irish. Upset special of the week.

NOTRE DAME by 3.

UCLA at BRIGHAM YOUNG — The Bruins are trying to rebuild under Rick Neuheisel, but they're not there yet.

BYU by 14.

OHIO STATE at SOUTHERN CAL — This is like the movie "Groundhog Day." The Buckeyes lose again.

Southern Cal by 10.

Reach Ken Burger at 937-5598 or kburger@postandcourier.com.