The South Carolina football fan's bye week viewing guide
South Carolina is off this weekend but there’s still plenty of football to watch on Saturday including some homework for the hardcore Gamecock fan to knock out on future opponents.
Check out GamecockCentral’s bye week viewing guide below.
ALSO SEE: Staff Picks: Big Week 5 matchups on tap during South Carolina bye week
Nooners
Main TV – Kentucky @ No. 6 Ole Miss – ABC/ESPN+
Not exactly a blockbuster but this one does have plenty going for it. For one, South Carolina fans can get a look at Ole Miss and a feel for some of what to expect from the Rebels in next week’s matchup. Also, if you’re a football head, Lane Kiffin and his offense are always a good watch. I don’t necessarily think Kentucky will keep it close but this should still be a decent starter for the day.
Second screen – No. 20 Oklahoma State @ No. 23 Kansas State – ESPN
There aren’t any real ties to South Carolina in this one but if you’re looking for arguably the best game during this window, this might be it. One of these teams will get a big win, while the other will likely fall out of the Top 25. If you want to pull for a former Gamecock coach, Pete Lembo’s Buffalo team takes on UConn on CBS Sports Network at noon as well.
[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Ole Miss football game]
Afternoon window
Main TV – No. 15 Louisville @ No. 16 Notre Dame – 3:30 – Peacock
It’s kind of a blah middle-of-the-day slate with several options but no real standouts. This one has the downside of also requiring a Peacock subscription. But if you already have it, and want to watch a couple of Top 16 teams, it’s a decent option while you get ready for the SEC’s main event later. It’s a stretch though.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Controversy: Catch or not?
Miami survives VT scare
- 2Trending
Cam Ward reacts
Miami QB reacts to VT endings
- 3New
Andre Ware objects!
ESPN commentator disagrees with ruling
- 4Hot
Saban stamps Coach Prime
'It's about changing the mindset'
- 5Trending
Michael Irvin hypes Miami
Canes legend gives epic pep talk
Second screen – No. 21 Oklahoma @ Auburn – 3:30 – SEC Network/ESPN+
One fan base is going to be TICKED after this one as neither program has gotten off to the start it expected. It has the added bonus of giving Carolina fans a look at Oklahoma, the Gamecocks’ opponent in a few weeks. The more I’ve seen of the Sooners, the more I think that’s a really winnable game for South Carolina. Other midday games of intrigue include Arkansas at Texas A&M (3:30, ESPN), Colorado at UCF (3:30, FOX), and UNC at Duke (4:00, ESPN2).
Primetime
Main TV – No. 2 Georgia @ No. 4 Alabama – 7:30 ET – ABC/ESPN+
The matchup of the day and arguably of the season so far features two of the league’s best. There’s not much else that needs to be said about this one. The Vegas line has waffled back and forth between the two teams and it should be a tight one as Kirby Smart looks to cement himself as the top coach in the league and Alabama looks to prove it can win without Nick Saban.
Second screen – Stanford @ Clemson – 7:00 ET – ESPN
Probably not a very entertaining game, but it’s at least worth keeping an eye on Clemson. No. 19 Illinois at No. 9 Penn State (7:30, NBC) is another intriguing option. State is a huge favorite considering its a Top 25 matchup but Illinois is a solid club that appears to be gaining momentum.
