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Despite the uncertainty that surrounds Connor Shaw's health, which delayed the release, a number sports books released a line of +3 for the Gamecocks trip to Columbia, Missouri this coming Saturday. As of this posting, most of the money appears to have come in on the Gamecocks, and the line may well move either direction before the teams kick off this weekend.
The line comes as a bit of a surprise, given that the Gamecocks did just lose their starting quarterback and put forth an uneven performance in Knoxville, falling to the unranked Volunteers 23-21.
Missouri, on the other hand, is favored for the first time this season in conference play, though they have won each of those games by 15 points or more. On the season, the undefeated Tigers have not won by fewer than 15 points (they've won by 15 twice - at home against Toledo, and at Georgia).
Despite the supposed weak strength of schedule, Missouri has pummeled every team it's faced this season. It will take a strong effort from Carolina to overcome them on the road and keep their SEC title hopes alive. However, it seems that those who are placing money on the game think the Gamecocks have a good shot at keeping their fading SEC championship hopes alive on Saturday night.