DawgsHQ Staff Predictions: Week 3 (Georgia vs. South Carolina & more)

It’s time for the SEC opener in Athens as Georgia takes on South Carolina. While the schedule around the country is absolutely weaker than the last, there’s still some intriguing games with conference play getting started. DawgsHQ shares with you our predictions on the battle between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks, plus a couple of selected national games of the week.

*** Georgia was a 42 point favorite over Ball State. The Bulldogs won by exactly 42, thus all bets made at that number were pushed. For a second straight week, the Georgia game does not factor into our staff records. Congratulation to Palmer for being the closest on score prediction. ***

Wes Blankenship (6-4)

South Carolina will bring the juice to Georgia. The Gamecocks are motivated and have a heck of a quarterback – the best test Georgia will face since C.J. Stroud in the Peach Bowl. Only thing is, Georgia will bring the juice, too. The Dawgs’ defense will make South Carolina’s protection break down like an old Ford before this one gets to halftime. Carson Beck continues to ascend and find his speedy targets early and often. Sanford will be rockin’ and the Chapel Bell will ringin’ early into Sunday morning. (Georgia 42, South Carolina 13)

Jeremy Johnson (8-2)

Georgia will want to make a statement in week one of SEC play. They have had two weeks to work out some rotational kinks and start to heal a few bumps and bruises though a few more popped up. (Georgia 38, South Carolina 6)

Rusty Mansell

Dominic Lovett lives up to the expectations set for him ahead of the season this week. Last year he had a big game against South Carolina. I’m predicting eight catches and two touchdowns for 6 on Saturday. (Georgia 37, South Carolina 13)

Jake Reuse (5-5)

Yes, it’s SEC play, and yes, it’s a huge line on this game, which always makes me nervous. Georgia has done some weird stuff against South Carolina over the years, including suffering its last home loss to the Gamecocks all the way back in 2019, and who can forget Bobo/Gurley in Columbia? But this ain’t that. Georgia outtalents the Gamecocks at almost every position that’s not quarterback, and Spencer Rattler’s offensive line has had trouble keeping him upright this season. Georgia needs to get the pass rush going, so look for them to send the house early and often armed with this knowledge. Got a feeling this is where Brock Bowers says his first true ‘hello’ of the season, as well. Dawgs roll. (Georgia 45, South Carolina 13)

Jake Rowe (3-7)

That’s a huge number for Georgia to cover, and it’ll look as if its happening at some point on Saturday. We’re about to find out if this team has a switch it can flip or not and I think the answer to that is going to be yes. Georgia starts fast enough to build a lead on the Gamecocks that continues to grow. But a late score or two from Shane Beamer’s team takes it under the number.  (Georgia 38, South Carolina 14)

Palmer Thombs (5-5)

Georgia came out and looked better offensively from the start last week than it did Week 1. A missed field goal kept them off the board, but the Bulldogs were moving the ball. Then, they didn’t have to because of short field situations thanks to turnovers from the defense. I think they once again look good offensively, getting in a rhythm early with some help from the run game while the defense makes it a long day for Spencer Rattler. South Carolina gave up nine sacks in the opener. The Gamecocks are going to want to get the ball out quickly, but I do see at least three for UGA on Saturday. (Georgia 41, South Carolina 13)

National Games of the Week (Against the Spread)

No. 14 LSU (-9.5) @ Mississippi State / 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Wes: Mississippi State
Jeremy: Mississippi State
Reuse: LSU
Rowe: Mississippi State
Palmer: LSU

No. 15 Kansas State (-7.5) @ Missouri / 12:00 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Wes: Kansas State
Jeremy: Missouri
Reuse: Missouri
Rowe: Missouri
Palmer: Kansas State

No. 8 Washington (-16.5) @ Michigan State / 5:00 p.m. ET, Peacock
Wes: Washington
Jeremy: Washington
Reuse: Washington
Rowe: Washington
Palmer: Washington

No. 11 Tennessee (-6.5) @ Florida / 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Wes: Tennessee
Jeremy: Tennessee
Reuse: Tennessee
Rowe: Tennessee
Palmer: Tennessee

Pittsburgh @ West Virginia (-2.5) / 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Wes: West Virginia
Jeremy: Pittsburgh
Reuse: Pittsburgh
Rowe: West Virginia
Palmer: West Virginia

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