In Week 4 of the 2025 regular season, the South Carolina Gamecocks will travel to Columbia, MO to take on the Missouri Tigers. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN.
South Carolina enters the game with a 2-1 record and is ranked #24 in the Coaches Poll. The Gamecocks have had an up-and-down start to the season, with their latest outing resulting in a 31-7 loss against Vanderbilt at home. Despite the recent setback, South Carolina has shown resilience with wins over Virginia Tech and South Carolina State earlier in the season.
Missouri, on the other hand, has started the season strong with a perfect 3-0 record, securing a #23 AP rank and #22 in the Coaches Poll. Their most recent victory was a commanding 52-10 win over Louisiana-Lafayette at home. The Tigers have been dominant at Faurot Field this season, and will look to maintain their home winning streak against a conference opponent.
Missouri vs South Carolina At a Glance
- Game Location: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO
- Game Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
- Television: Broadcasted on ESPN
- South Carolina Record: 2-1 this season
- Missouri Record: Perfect 3-0 this season
- Game Odds: Missouri is favored by 13.5 points
Missouri Tigers Prepare to Roar Against South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s Offensive Overview
South Carolina’s offense will look to challenge Missouri’s strong defensive unit. The Gamecocks have been working on improving their passing game, aiming to stretch the field against the Tigers.
Running the ball effectively will also be key for South Carolina, as they strive to control the clock and limit Missouri’s offensive possessions. Their ability to execute on the ground could determine their success in this game.
Defensive Strategies
The Gamecocks’ defense will be tasked with slowing down a high-powered Missouri offense. Focusing on limiting Missouri’s rushing attack will be a priority, considering the Tigers’ impressive rushing stats this season.
South Carolina’s secondary must also be prepared to counter Missouri’s passing threats. This balanced approach could be crucial in containing the Tigers’ offensive versatility.
Key Players to Watch
South Carolina will look to its key playmakers to rise to the occasion. The performance of their quarterback will be pivotal in establishing an effective offensive rhythm.
Defensively, South Carolina’s standout players in the secondary and linebacking corps will be crucial in containing Missouri’s multi-faceted offense. Their ability to disrupt Missouri’s game plan could be a deciding factor.
South Carolina’s Betting Trends
- SU – As Underdog: Last 15 Games → 8-7
- SU – Road Games: Last 10 Games → 4-6
- ATS – All Games: Last 12 Games → 6-6
- ATS – Road Games: Last 6 Games → 3-3
- O/U – All Games: Last 8 Games → 5-3
South Carolina Gamecocks: Analyzing Their Away Game Strategy
Current Offensive Performance
The Gamecocks have recorded 69 points so far in the 2025 season, placing them 58th in the nation. Their passing game has yielded 591 yards, ranking them 81st, while their rushing attack has contributed 337 yards, placing them 104th. Despite the challenges, they have secured 52 first downs, showcasing their ability to move the chains, ranking 34th.
Defensive Stalwarts
On the defensive side, South Carolina has allowed 52 points this season, positioning them 37th in points against. Their pass rush has been effective with 8 sacks, ranking an impressive 7th nationally. The Gamecocks’ secondary has been proactive, securing 1 interception and recovering 1 fumble, ranking 2nd and 5th, respectively, in these categories.
Recent Game Recap
The Gamecocks recently suffered a 31-7 defeat against Vanderbilt, highlighting areas needing improvement. In this game, South Carolina secured 20 first downs compared to Vanderbilt’s 22. Their passing offense outperformed Vanderbilt with 242 yards, though they struggled with turnovers, recording 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles.
In contrast, their previous game against South Carolina State saw a dominant 38-10 victory. South Carolina capitalized on their opportunities, with a balanced offense that produced 128 passing yards and 125 rushing yards. This game demonstrated their potential when both offensive and defensive units execute effectively.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has shown potential, passing for 431 yards with 2 touchdowns in three games. Rahsul Faison leads the rushing attack with 135 yards and 1 touchdown, highlighting his importance in the ground game. Nyck Harbor stands out in the receiving corps with 165 yards and 1 touchdown, providing a reliable target for Sellers.
Upcoming Game Outlook
The Gamecocks are set to face the Missouri Tigers on September 20th at Faurot Field, where they are currently 13.5-point underdogs. This game will test their resolve and ability to perform under pressure away from home. South Carolina aims to leverage their defensive strengths to limit Missouri’s offensive production.
Injury Report
Defensive back Judge Collier is listed as questionable due to a knee injury, potentially impacting South Carolina’s secondary depth. His status will be closely monitored as game day approaches, as his presence could bolster their defensive backfield.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 22-4 (84.6%) over last 26 games
- ATS – Away Games: 7-0 (100.0%) over last 7 games
- SU – All Games: 8-1 (88.9%) over last 9 games
- SU – Away Games: 4-0 (100.0%) over last 4 games
- ATS – As Underdog: 3-0 (100.0%) over last 3 games
Missouri vs South Carolina Prediction: Over 46.5
Missouri Tigers have demonstrated a potent offense this season, scoring a total of 155 points, which ranks them 6th nationally. Their ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground suggests they are capable of putting up significant points. Against South Carolina, whose defense has shown vulnerabilities, Missouri should find success in maintaining their high-scoring trend.
South Carolina, while not as explosive offensively, has shown the capability to score, putting up 69 points in three games. Although they face a strong Missouri defense, the Gamecocks can capitalize on any opportunities to add to the score. Historically, matchups between these teams have often resulted in higher combined totals, as seen in their 2024 meeting.
Taking into account Missouri’s current form and offensive prowess, along with South Carolina’s potential to contribute on the scoreboard, the total points are likely to exceed 46.5. The Tigers’ recent games have consistently gone over the total, further supporting this pick. Expect a high-scoring contest under the lights at Faurot Field.
The projected final score aligns with an over pick, with Missouri expected to dominate offensively. Given the current trends, it seems realistic for Missouri to continue their scoring streak while South Carolina attempts to keep pace.
- Missouri vs South Carolina Prediction: Over 46.5
- Missouri vs South Carolina Score: Missouri 38 – South Carolina 14
