South Carolina will start its third quarterback in as many games to start the season, but beyond that this is not a game USC can afford to lose. Central Florida is beat up, undermanned, and coming off a loss to Furman, and given the rigorous schedule ahead any potential Gamecocks bowl trip almost certainly hinges on winning this game. Let it get away, and a first losing season since 2003 begins to loom as a very real possibility.
Black (and blue) Knights
The Knights have lost their leading receiver to injury, kicked their leading rusher from last season off the team, and have a starting quarterback who sounds doubtful given that he’s recovering from a cut hand.