South Carolina favored by 3 points over Vanderbilt; New York Post pick backs Gamecocks
With both teams 2-0 entering SEC play, a New York Post betting column recommends South Carolina -3 (-118, DraftKings), citing quarterback LaNorris Sellers as the difference-maker.
South Carolina is a 3-point favorite over Vanderbilt in Saturday night’s SEC matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium, and a New York Post betting column recommended backing the Gamecocks at South Carolina -3 (-118 on DraftKings).
Both teams enter league play at 2-0, but the betting market has moved in recent days. Early lines had South Carolina favored by about 4.5 points; wagering on Vanderbilt compressed the spread to three, reflecting increased public support for the Commodores after an eye-catching Week 2 performance against Virginia Tech.
The New York Post’s Michael Leboff argued that the market may be overvaluing Vanderbilt’s momentum and narrative appeal. Vanderbilt’s 44-20 win over Virginia Tech and the program’s recent turnaround under coach Clark Lea — highlighted by signature 2024 victories over Alabama and Auburn and the school’s first bowl trip since 2018 — have made the Commodores a popular betting choice. Diego Pavia’s play at quarterback and a Netflix documentary that spotlighted the program have amplified public interest.
Leboff wrote that those factors appear to have lifted Vanderbilt’s betting stock but warned that the enthusiasm does not necessarily translate to a sharper pick against the Gamecocks on the road. He cited South Carolina’s pro-style passing attack and the presence of LaNorris Sellers, who he described as arguably the best quarterback in the country and a likely difference-maker in the matchup.
Vanderbilt’s offense under Pavia has gained national attention for its athleticism and scoring output, but the Commodores will face the test of maintaining that efficiency in hostile territory at Williams-Brice Stadium. South Carolina’s coaching staff and home-field environment were listed as additional reasons to favor the Gamecocks.
Vanderbilt’s recent program growth has shifted public perception: few bettors were interested in Nashville a short time ago, but the Commodores now draw sizeable support. Betting commentators noted that such rapid sentiment shifts can lead to inflated lines and urged caution for bettors tempted by momentum and narrative.
The New York Post pick is one voice in a wide and active market that includes multiple sportsbooks and syndicated handicappers. Sportsbooks listed the line at South Carolina -3 with odds of -118 at DraftKings as of the column’s publication. Bettors and analysts will continue to monitor injury reports, weather and late-week adjustments before kickoff.
Kickoff is set for Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium as both programs begin SEC play. The game will be regarded as an early indicator of how each team stacks up in the conference after two nonconference weeks that left both clubs unbeaten.