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** South Carolina has won last two in the series to take a 27-26-4 advantage all-time. South Carolina is 82-37-4 (.683) in 123 season openers. The Gamecocks have won 16 of their last 17 season openers dating back to 2000,

** This is the 58th time the Gamecocks have played NC State, which breaks a tie with North Carolina, giving the Wolfpack the third-most games played against South Carolina, trailing only Clemson (114) and Georgia (69). However, this is just the third meeting between the two schools in this century.

** The Carolina defense has been stellar in recent outings against State. The Wolfpack have not scored an offensive touchdown in the last 12 quarters against the Gamecocks, with their only touchdown in the last three meetings coming on the return of a blocked punt. The Gamecocks have limited NC State to just 13 points combined in those three games.

** The 109-man fall roster (as of August 25) consists of 13 seniors, 21 juniors, 30 sophomores, 14 redshirt freshmen and 31 true freshmen.

** The Gamecocks list 16 returning starters from the 2016 squad, 10 on offense and six on defense.

** The Gamecocks have one of the nation's toughest schedules to navigate in 2017. One national pundit considers Carolina's four non-conference opponents - NC State, Louisiana Tech, Wofford and Clemson - as the eighth-toughest non-conference slate in the country. The ESPN Football Power Index rates the Gamecocks' schedule as the fifth-toughest in the country.

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Additional Gamecock Central football coverage: Carolina Confidential - Final thoughts on the N.C. State matchup | Mitchell: 2017 season forecast | Wes and Chris break down the keys to victory | Top North Carolina prospect planning to be in Charlotte | Try us FREE for 30 days!

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South Carolina Week 1 Depth Chart

** Click here for an in-depth breakdown of the Gamecocks' current depth chart **

"I think we’ve had a good camp, but talk is cheap. We’ve got to go play on Saturday afternoon and play well, and that’s what we plan on doing."

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Assistant coaches

Staff Predictions:

Collyn Taylor: South Carolina is going to be a much-improved from last season. The players are stronger and faster while also more comfortable in Muschamp’s program. They’re still young and going up against a very veteran defensive front and skill players on offense. I think this game is going to go down to the wire, but NC State survives a late comeback. NC State 31, South Carolina 28

Will Helms: The key in this game will be if the South Carolina offensive line can protect Jake Bentley from one of the best defensive fronts in the country. Ultimately, though I expect the Gamecocks to be better this year, I think NC State's receivers challenge a relatively thin Gamecock secondary. I also think this could come down to a late Gamecock field goal, which is probably not where the team wants to find itself with the lack of experience at kicker. NC State 31, South Carolina 28

Wes Mitchell: I can't say I feel completely confident in my prediction, but I do think if the Carolina offensive line can give Jake Bentley time, that the receivers can have some success on the outside. The Gamecocks use the passing game early and the running game late to steal a close one. South Carolina 28, NC State 27

Michael Beckham: The Gamecocks should be slightly improved on both lines of scrimmage. They don't have to win the battle up front. They just can't afford to be dominated there, and the skill players can do the rest. I believe the defense, while not great, will be opportunistic. On offense, they will start slow and play careful, but finish strong. South Carolina has also won an impressive 17 out of the last 18 season openers. I think that trend continues. South Carolina 27, NC State 23

Justin Hall: South Carolina feels comfortable on offense in week one for the first time since 2014. The key to moving the ball against a vaunted front seven is to get the ball out on quick slants and bubble screens; both of which suit Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards. I believe the Gamecocks will surprise many with how well this defense will play. Keep an eye on Jamyest Williams and Keisean Nixon making their debuts in the secondary. Williams and Nixon HAVE to play well for the Gamecocks to have a chance. A low scoring first half will give way to late fireworks and Jake Bentley will lead the offense on a game winning drive in Charlotte. South Carolina 31, NC State 27

Click here for the Gamecock Central staff's complete Week 1 picks

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