GCF gameday thread vs Charlotte 49ers
South Carolina looks to rebound from its loss to Georgia with a game this weekend against a non-conference opponent. The Gamecocks will face Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Williams-Brice Stadium. This is the first matchup between the two teams. A win for South Carolina would put the team back at .500 this season.
WHAT CHANNEL IS THE CHARLOTTE-SOUTH CAROLINA GAME ON?
Who: Charlotte 49ers (1-3) at South Carolina Gamecocks (1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium (77,559) in Columbia, S.C.
TV: ESPNU
Stream: via ESPN app
On-air announce crew: Jay Alter (play-by-play), Forrest Conoly (analyst), Tamara Brown (sideline)
Radio: 107.5 FM in the Columbia area (Todd Ellis, play-by-play; Tommy Suggs, analyst; Jamar Nesbit, sideline) … See all the radio affiliates around South Carolina here.
Satellite radio: Sirius XM 99 or 205
Series history: First meeting
TOP STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
Gamecocks look to bounce back: South Carolina is off to a 1-2 start, but a win Saturday would move the record back to even on the season. The Gamecocks gave up more than 40 points in each of their two losses, and the 49ers just posted 42 points on Georgia State last week which is more than Carolina managed against the Panthers in Week 1. But an improved performance from the Gamecocks could help the team find some momentum.
49ers-turned-Gamecocks on the coaching staff: Offensive line coach Greg Adkins and running backs coach Montario Hardesty used to coach at Charlotte. Adkins was there in 2018 the year before Charlotte head coach Will Healy arrived. Hardesty was a wide receivers coach for two years under Healy before being brought on to Beamer’s staff in 2021.
Back under the lights: Saturday will be the second night game South Carolina has played this year, and the LED lights will be in full effect. The lights were used during the noon game against Georgia, but the night skies will make them more visible against the 49ers.
Charlotte coming off its first win: Charlotte started the season 0-3 before a victory on a game-winning touchdown against Georgia State. The 49ers played its best offensive game against a team that allowed just two offensive touchdowns to South Carolina.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR COLUMBIA, SC
Expect temperatures in the mid-70s at kickoff Saturday night with upper 60s at the end of the game, according to the National Weather Service. Clear skies are anticipated as well.
ESPN FPI GAME PREDICTION ESPN’s
Football Power Index gives South Carolina an 91.7% chance to win over the 49ers on Saturday. This is the second time the FPI has favored the Gamecocks to win this season.
POINT SPREAD FOR USC GAMECOCKS VS. CHARLOTTE
Carolina is currently a 22-point favorite over the 49ers, according to VegasInsider.com. That’s expected to be the largest line in favor of the Gamecocks against an FBS team this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina: Emmanwori continues to be a bright spot for the Gamecocks’ defense, as he led the team in tackles against Georgia with 14. He’s also the team’s leading tackler for 2022, so his presence on defense could aid South Carolina against Charlotte.
Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina: Brooks is second on the team in yards and receptions, but has caught multiple catches in every game so far. His ability to find ways to get open gives USC options in an offense that’s still figuring itself out.
Chris Reynolds, QB, Charlotte: Reynolds a career-high threw five touchdowns in Charlotte’s win against Georgia State. He’s been with the 49er offense since 2018, and has played in all four years of the Healy era.
Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte: Charlotte’s leader in catches and touchdowns, DuBose presents a legitimate threat to South Carolina. At 6-foot-3, he’s one of the team’s best targets. He finished last week’s game with nine catches for 85 yards and two scores.
