It’s a huge day in the SEC on Saturday, and it’s certainly possible that Saturday night’s South Carolina-Auburn game could be a preview of the conference championship game. The Tigers are 3-point favorites.

Auburn (3-0, 1-0 SEC) is 3-0 for the third straight season, while South Carolina (3-0, 1-0 SEC) is undefeated after three games for the first time since 2007. The two teams have met just four times since South Carolina joined the SEC prior to the 1992 season, with Auburn winning all four games. However, this will be the first game between the two teams in which both teams are nationally ranked.

The Tigers have the SEC’s top rushing offense while South Carolina’s defense is stingiest against the run. The Tigers have three of the league’s top-10 runners. The Gamecocks are giving up just 60 yards a game on the ground (first in the SEC) and haven’t allowed a rushing TD. The Gamecocks have not allowed a first-half touchdown this year, and only three total touchdowns (two offensive). Auburn’s 13 touchdown plays this season have averaged 26.8 yards per play, including five that covered at least 35 yards.

Two of the most exciting first-year players in the nation are in this one. Gamecocks freshman RB Marcus Lattimore ranks 111.0 rushing yards per game and already has five touchdowns. Newton, meanwhile, has thrown throwing for 525 yards and seven TDs thus far, while averaging 103.0 yards rushing to pace the team as well. Auburn also has a star freshman running back in Michael Dyer, who averages 5.4 yards per carry.

The Gamecocks are in search of their first SEC road victory since a win over Kentucky on Oct. 11, 2008, a stretch of five contests. The Gamecocks have been held under 70 rushing yards per game in those losses. Auburn has have won three of its past four games by a field goal dating to last season’s Outback Bowl. Auburn is 21-4 in home night games since the 2000 season, including a record of 4-1 against ranked opponents.

According to our “who’s betting on what tool“, 75%+ of the public is on S. Carolina. I don’t like when the public is heavy on the same side we are thinking. But the public is right sometimes too. The Gamecocks are really good, they are ranked higher, and they are getting points. We say small to medium play on South Carolina Gamecocks +3.

article written in co-operation with Wagerweb Sportsbook.