NCAA betting skeptics continue to be confounded by the Auburn Tigers as the cry of “War Eagle” is being heard around the country after a 4-0 start to the season.
Nearing Top Ten Status
Auburn entered their game on Saturday as a 3-point home favorite against #12 South Carolina and ranked 17th in the Associated Press poll. That status is going to change after their heart stopping 25-27 win and payout in which they had to rally from a double digit deficit for the second consecutive week.
Another Comeback
Auburn looked spent from their overtime win over Clemson in their previous game and was sluggish out of the gate against South Carolina as the Gamecocks took a 20-7 lead midway through the 2nd quarter. But once again junior quarterback Cam Newton rallied the offense just as he did against Clemson and the defense stiffened. By game’s end Auburn proved to be the superior team with 492 yards of total offense compared to 384 for South Carolina.
The Old Ball Coach Loses It
South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier finally had enough of junior quarterback Stephen Garcia and yanked him in the 4th quarter for freshman Connor Shaw. Shaw was intercepted in both of his series as he tried to mount a rally for Gamecock backers at Sbg global.com. To be fair, Connor’s last pass hit the hands of his intended receiver in the end zone but the ball was juggled into the air and instead what should have been a touchdown turned into a game clinching Auburn interception. Spurrier tossed his headset more than once during the game and had to be discouraged that his highly touted defense was mauled for almost 500 yards and couldn’t hold the lead.
Newton’s Value
Cam Newton was the difference in the college football betting matchup as he was the superior quarterback with a phenomenal 176 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns while also passing for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. Neither Garcia nor Shaw was an effective counter. Newton has emerged as a top shelf Heisman Trophy contender.
A Brief Break
Auburn will host Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday after two tough NCAA betting matchups that likely left them spent. They will resume Southeastern Conference play on October 9 at Kentucky in what could be a trap against a Wildcats team with plenty of offense.