Since I probably won’t have any time to write a post before the NC State game, I thought I’d go ahead and post my personal predictions for the season tonight. You know, just in case the stars align and all my predictions come true. Fair warning - I did this on fly, so don't expect the kind of thoughtful, in-depth analysis that Gamecock Man has gotten you used to.

NC State: Loss

“We’re going to lose our season opener for the first time since 1999?!?,” you say? Sorry, folks, but that’s how I see it. If you’ll recall, the 1999 season was Lou Holtz’s first, and our opponent was, of all teams, NC State. We’ve had a string of pretty good opening games since then, but all good things must end. To me, you can't discount the momentum which the Wolfpack built last year nor the manner in which our team fell apart. A healthy Russel Wilson is a deadly Russel Wilson. Don’t despair, though. Carolina is a young team and I have a feeling we’ll actually get better as the season goes on this year.

What to watch for: Our first offensive possession will tell you everything you need to know about this season. If it ends in a turnover like the past 4 years, stock up on Maker’s Mark and Coke. If we somehow manage to score on our first drive, make a list of everything you did that day and do the exact same thing prior to every game this season. It’s your duty as a fan.

Georgia: Win

How can I predict a win at UGA a week after predicting a loss to NC State? Because I’m crazy like a fox, that’s how. The last time we beat UGA they had a senior QB who had never started a game before. There is a similar situation this season. I’m not convinced UGA will be that good this year, but I am convinced of our ability to play Georgia close. Couple this with our defense’s knack for taking 2 of the first 3 quarterbacks we play out for the season and I like our chances. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to this game, look for me. I’ll be the one walking the thin line between making friends and getting my face pounded in.

What to watch for: Late in the game Garcia tosses a fade to either Tori Gurley or Alshon Jefferey in the end zone. Also, watch for fan favorite Bryce Sherman to make an impact in the return game after not getting any touches vs. NC State.

Florida Atlantic: Win

I’m not doing any research for these predictions, so I don’t have a lot to say about the Owls. In fact, I don’t have anything to say. We better win this game or it’s going to be a long season.

What to watch for: Hopefully this will be a game in which we get a chance to see some of the younger players show off their skills.

Ole Miss: Loss

I’m not completely sold on the Rebels either. Still, they have an awful lot of seniors returning to a team that was actually pretty damn good. I don’t think Ole Miss will be nearly as good as their preseason ranking would have you believe, but at this moment I have no reason to think the Gamecocks will overcome a senior laden team with Jevan Snead at the helm.

What to watch for: Look for improved play from the offensive line. Even if we don’t win this game, an improving o-line could be a sign of better things to come.

South Carolina State: Win

See Florida Atlantic.

Kentucky: Win

This will be a close game in which Carolina prevails late. I’m going to assume that Steven Garcia has progressed further than Mike Hartline at this point in the season. Big assumption, right? You bet. An improved running game should take some pressure off of Garcia and give our offense a chance to spread it around.

What to watch for: Adam Yates should be back by now. Look for an improved kicking game, and thus improved special teams.

Alabama: Loss

I desperately wanted to pick Carolina in this one, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. This is a classic trap game. You just know the Gamecocks will be over looking the Tide for a chance to get back at division rival Vanderbilt next week. OK, seriously though. If we survive by a better margine than UGA did last year, I say moral victory.

What to watch for: Nobody can know when Clifton Geathers will return from his indefinite suspension, but I have to think that he’ll be back by this game at the latest. Look for a strong defensive effort to lead to a pick six and a closer than expected final margine.

Vanderbilt: Win

We’ve suffered the indignity of losing to Vanderbilt two years in a row now (no offense intended to any Commodore fans out there). Last year they did it with smoke and mirrors. This year I expect to win this one.

What to watch for: If the unthinkable should happen and we lose to Vanderbilt for a third straight year, look for Steve Spurrier to seriously flip his shit. A loss here may foretell the end of the Spurrier era at Carolina.

Tennessee: Win

At this point in the season I fully expect Tennessee to be embroiled in a heated debate about whether or not they need to fire Lane Kiffin immediately. A loss to the Gamecocks just might put them over the edge. Expect the gas pumping references to run rampant.

What to watch for: Pay close attention to the post game press conferences. No matter the outcome one coach or the other is bound to make it interesting.

Arkansas: Win

Ryan Mallet, Shryan Shmallet. If Carolina could with this game last year even in the beginnings of a late year slide, I think we can beat Petrino and company this year.

What to watch for: Mallet may get the press, but watch RB Michael Smith to get a real feel for how Arkansas’ offense is clicking.

Florida: Loss

It’s going to be a loss. Deal with it early.

What to watch for: The Rapture. If it happens, the Gamecocks might stand a chance.

Clemson: Win

Let’s be honest, I don’t really have any reason to pick us in this game. As the HBC likes to say, it is what it is.

What to watch for: Expect an electric atmosphere in the stadium as this year’s talented freshmen get their first taste of quite possibly the nastiest rivalry in college football. I don’t need to tell anyone what this game means. Heads will roll. Blood will flow in the aisles.

There you have it – The Feathered Warrior’s season prediction for 2009. I see I’ve somehow predicted us to win 1, 2, … 8 games! Fancy that. Optimistic? You bet. Homer pick? Absolutely. In all honesty this might be a really rough season for us. I tend to think that we have a solid nucleus of young, committed players. I hate to say it this early in the season, but next year may, in fact, be the year. In any event, keep the faith fellow Gamecocks. Life is a journey, not a destination.