South Carolina looks to go 3-1 for first time since 2017 as MAC’s Akron pays a visit

Akron (1-2) at South Carolina (2-1), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)

BetMGM College Football Odds: South Carolina by 28 1/2.

Series record: South Carolina leads 1-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

South Carolina is hoping for a strong bounce back after its agonizing, 36-33 home loss to No. 16 LSU last week. The Gamecocks led 17-0 and were still up 33-29 in the final minutes before the Tigers rallied to victory. South Carolina gets a week off after this one so thinking too much about the past might cost them against the Zips. Akron hopes to end its winless mark (0-4) against Southeastern Conference opponents.

KEY MATCHUP

South Carolina defensive ends Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart against Akron’s offensive line. Kennard and Stewart have helped the Gamecocks to an SEC-leading 12 sacks. The Zips have allowed nine sacks in three games and could get overwhelmed by South Carolina’s size and speed up front.

Something else to watch: South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said starting QB LaNorris Sellers felt he could play this week after missing most of the second half against LSU with an ankle injury. If Sellers can’t go, former Auburn starter Robby Ashford would play.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Akron: QB Ben Finley has experience against power conference teams, playing two seasons at N.C. State and another at Cal before joining the Zips this past offseason. He threw for 358 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-20 victory over FCS opponent Colgate for Akron’s first victory of the season.

South Carolina: RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders lived up to his nickname last week with a 66-yard touchdown run where he was clocked running at 21.2 mph. Sanders finished with 143 yards and two TDs in the 36-33 loss to LSU this past Saturday.

FACTS & FIGURES

The previous game in the series came in December 2018 to make up a scheduled contest wiped out by a hurricane. Deebo Samuel, now a star with the San Francisco 49ers, accounted for three TDs in the 28-3 Gamecocks’ victory. … Akron is receiving $1.5 million from South Carolina for the nonconference game. … The Zips have already lost to Big Ten teams in Ohio State and Rutgers by a combined score of 101-23. … South Carolina has won its last eight games against teams from the Mid-American Conference. … South Carolina had 243 yards rushing last week, the fourth-highest total in Beamer’s four seasons. … Akron had two receivers with over 100 yards last week against Colgate. Adrian Norton had 125 yards and Bobby Golden had 119.

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