After losing a tough one to LSU last weekend, South Carolina has a chance to get back on track before its looming bye week. The Gamecocks will host the Akron Zips on Saturday.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Before then, there’s a slew of other big games being played as conference play gets rolling for most teams this weekend.

Here’s how the GamecockCentral and 107.5 The Game staff sees this game going plus a few predictions on other key matchups this weekend.

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George Bagwell: Not expecting much tension from this game. Akron trailed 17-0 early against Colgate last week, and if that’s any indication of how the Zips’ defense will look, I expect Robby Ashford in the game by the third quarter at latest. Is this the game Dylan Stewart collects three sacks? It’s certainly not impossible. Good vibes will return before the bye week. South Carolina 45, Akron 10.

Peyton Butt: After taking their first loss of the season, I think the Gamecocks will bounce back with something to prove, hungry for a win. I also think having a sold out stadium under the lights will add fuel to their fire. South Carolina 45, Akron 17.

Elijah Campbell: The Gamecocks lost a total heartbreaker to LSU last week but despite the controversy behind officiating and the frustration of losing a 17-0 lead, South Carolina showed the nation they are a serious football team with a pass rush who can get home against any offensive line. I think they take out some frustration on the helpless Zips who are one of the worst teams in all of FBS. My thoughts and prayers are with the Akron QBs and their families. Regardless of who starts at QB for the Gamecocks, they’ll be able to put on a clinic in the run game and whether they cover the 28.5 point spread or not, they’ll win with ease and hopefully be healthy going into the bye. South Carolina 33, Akron 10.

Chris Clark: I see the Gamecock defense overwhelming Akron’s offense, while the South Carolina offense should be able to create some explosive plays to pull away in the second half. South Carolina 34, Akron 10.

Terry Ford: The Gamecocks learn their lesson from the ODU close call and boat-races a bad Akron squad that gives up around 190 yds on the ground. South Carolina 42, Akron 13.

Griffin Goodwyn: The Gamecocks head into Saturday’s game as 27.5-point favorites, according to ESPN BET, which indicates the wide talent gap that exists between these two teams. The biggest question mark surrounding South Carolina is the status of LaNorris Sellers, which could limit what the team’s offense can do if he isn’t able to play. Regardless, the Gamecocks should handle the Zips in convincing fashion, whether it’s Sellers or Robby Ashford at the helm. South Carolina 41, Akron 10.

Tyler Head: This matchup on paper is heavily in SC’s favor. Regardless of who takes the snaps, the Gamecocks are a far better team than the Zips and shouldn’t have any issues. South Carolina 45, Akron 10.

[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Ole Miss football game]

Wes Mitchell: South Carolina’s defensive line should be able to take over this game, much like it did the ODU game, minus some of the explosive plays allowed. The health of the quarterback position could affect how this one plays out but I do think the Gamecocks will win handily. South Carolina 34, Akron 10.

Jay Philips: After one of the most difficult losses around here in years, it may seem like a result that can linger over the team and fanbase for a while. I don’t think it will. Akron comes in at the right time, and as long as this defense continues to play at a high level the Gamecocks will regain some swagger, use the off week to keep growing on offense and then welcome in an explosive Ole Miss team. A sold out night game will help fans have fun, and I expect the team to play into that emotion. South Carolina 37, Akron 13.

Kendall Smith: Redemption week for the Gamecocks. I think this game starts fast for SC and things click in all 3 phrases. Final game prep before Ole Miss so it’s important. South Carolina takes this one— decisively. Give me the Gamecocks. South Carolina 34, Akron 10. 

Mike Uva: With a chance to improve to 3-1 before a bye week, this is a golden opportunity for South Carolina to flush what happened last week against LSU and keep moving forward. It’s a long season, and it’s only gonna get tougher. South Carolina 37, Akron 13.

Jack Veltri: Whether LaNorris Sellers plays or not, South Carolina should be fine on Saturday. If Robby Ashford gets the start, I expect the offense to have some early struggles. As the game wears on, though, he’ll get more comfortable and start to play better. I don’t think the Gamecocks will cover this weekend. But I do believe they’ll get the win and head into the bye week in a great spot at 3-1 on the year. South Carolina: 31, Akron: 6.

Chris Wellbaum: Akron is pretty bad. It won’t be close, but I expect South Carolina to play pretty conservatively which may keep the score lower than expected. South Carolina 34, Akron 6.

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