Top 3 SEC Games: Week One Edition

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier and defensive player of the game linebacker Jonathan Walton (28) hold the Independence Bowl trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. South Carolina defeated Miami 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

# 3 The Battle of the Carolinas

North Carolina VS South Carolina

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Game Time: Thursday, September 3 6:00PM ET

TV:  ESPN

The Battle of the Carolinas will officially kickoff the SEC slate, and what an intriguing matchup we have to watch.  South Carolina, not far removed from a 7-6 2014 season, will be looking to start the season on a positive note.  Last year South Carolina was arguably embarrassed by Texas A&M in week 1, and many viewed the game as the tone setter for the rest of the season.  South Carolina will be looking to avoid the same bad start out of the gate.  Factor in the rivalry aspect with neighbor North Carolina, and this game is actually a big deal.  North Carolina, on the other hand, had a similar season as South Carolina with a 6-7 mark, and will be looking to make a statement for the ACC against the SEC.

Side note:  Gene Chizik, the former Auburn head coach that won the 2010 national championship, is the new defensive coordinator for North Carolina.  Chizik was victorious against Steve Spurrier and South Carolina in the 2010 SEC championship.

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