Many college football pundits say that the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team has an easier schedule in 2010 than in years past.  Given this fact along with the talent Coach Spurrier has, many feel USC has its best shot ever to claim the SEC East crown.
Coach Spurrier has the USC program heading in the right direction and thanks to a SEC East going through some changes the Gamecocks have a chance to do something never before done in USC football history. 
Win the division and compete in the SEC Championship Game.  Can they do it?
I sure hope so but it will take USC winning six SEC games.
Why six?
I think a 6-2 record is what gets USC to Atlanta as representatives of the SEC East in the SEC title game.
So what six games do the Gamecocks have to win out of the slated eight SEC conference games?
Home v. Georgia – The Gamecocks open SEC play at home against the Georgia Bulldogs and both squads have this game circled as "must win."
Traditionally, the winner of this game goes on to have a good year in the SEC.

SC will have to slow the running attack of UGA and keep AJ Green quiet.
This will be the first big test of the season for Carolina and a test it must ace.  USC will win this game thanks to UGA mistakes.
Away v. Kentucky – The Gamecocks will have to continue their dominance over the Wildcats in 2010. I don’t see UK as a threat to challenge USC in 2010 but will certainly be an interesting game.
Winner will be SC as usual.
Away v. Vanderbilt – Vandy is known to give USC fits for some reason. SC will have to play this game smart and get the job done.
Vandy always has a team that can beat anyone on any given Saturday but it should not be a team that can conquer the Fighting Gamecocks. USC avoids the Vandy plague in 2010.
Home v. Tennessee – Coach Dooley is rebuilding. During this phase, UT will be weak and vulnerable.
Look for the Gamecocks to pounce and get the win at home just in time for Halloween.
Toss up/Either beat Auburn on the road or Arkansas at home – USC has to win either one of these games and finish 1-1 between the two.
Auburn and Arkansas can put up silly numbers on offense but their defenses are suspect.

I think SC beats Auburn but loses at home to Arkansas.  But it could easily go the other direction.  Bottom line is USC has to win one of these matchups to have a chance at SEC glory.
Away v. Florida – This is it. Winner take all.
I feel USC will enter this match up with a record of 5-2. UF will be sitting at 6-1.
With USC stepping up and getting this win—tiebreaker sends them to SEC Championship Game.
This will be an instant classic game with lots of storylines.
USC will have to play a great game and pressure John Brantley to make errors on top of slowing UF’s playmakers.
I suspect the USC defense will get the job done in this game as it will have tons on the line to motivate itself.
This could be the game that earns Stephen Garcia respect from Spurrier with some late-in-the-game magic.
Can the Gamecocks follow this storyline as written?  Will the SEC East unfold like this in 2010? 
Oh, and for those doing the math, I do have USC losing to Alabama in Columbia on Oct. 9th.  As I just don't see USC getting the best of Saban in 2010.  Hope I am wrong but it will take a 6-2 record in the SEC for once. 

So will UGA, UK, UT, Vandy, UF, and Auburn or Arkansas prove to be lesser opponents for USC in the fall? 
I guess time will tell and the journey for USC begins September 2nd against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.  Look out SEC, as here come the Fighting Gamecocks from the University of South Carolina.
 
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