Gameday Guide: South Carolina vs. North Carolina game details, TV info, depth chart

South Carolina is heading into the 2019 football season bubbling with potential. The Gamecocks face off against North Carolina, a team with a new staff and plenty of talent. What you need to know:

What time do the Gamecocks play?

Who: South Carolina (7-6 in 2018) vs. North Carolina (2-9 in 2018)

When: 3:30 pm Saturday

Where: Bank of America Stadium (75,253) in Charlotte

Series history: The Tar Heels lead the series 32-19-4. The Gamecocks have won six of the past seven and seven of the past nine going back to 1981.

TV: ESPN (Bob Wischusen, play-by-play; Dan Orlovsky, analysis; Allison Williams, sideline)

Radio: 107.5 FM (Todd Ellis, play-by-play; Tommy Suggs, analysis; Jamar Nesbit, sideline) ... See all the radio affiliates around the state here.

Satellite radio: Sirius 121/XM 383

Line: Gamecocks by 10

Weather: Sunny, with a high near 88. A 10 percent chance of rain through the game. Around 88 degrees at kickoff, 80 at the end of the game.

South Carolina is looking to get the season started on a good note. The Gamecocks have won four season openers in a row and 18 of the past 19, including the 2013 and 2015 openers against UNC.

The Gamecocks aren’t thinking too much about it, but a win would wash away some memories of how 2018 ended on the same field with a shutout loss to Virginia in the Belk Bowl.

The Tar Heels would get a big boost starting the second Mack Brown era with a win against a Power 5 team. They have new, well-respected coordinators and talent, but it might take some time for that team to be settled.

The teams, by the numbers (2018 numbers)

South Carolina players to watch

1. South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley is coming into his final season with eyes on a level of success the program hasn’t had in his time. He might also set some records, coming in at 7,385 yards and 54 touchdowns, putting him within striking distance of the program records for both.

2. Running back Tavien Feaster will have his first game in garnet and black, trying to fight for the top dog position in the running back room. He ran for 1,330 yards in three years at Clemson and could be poised to get that elusive lead role.

3. Senior defensive end D.J. Wonnum had to fight back from a pair of injuries that limited him to only a few games in 2018, derailing his ascent. He could be a big factor after being limited to two sacks in what amounted to fewer than five games.

North Carolina players to watch

1. True freshman quarterback Sam Howell will start for the Heels. Howell is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound pro-style QB who was a four-star prospect coming out of Sun Valley High School in Monroe, North Carolina. The former Florida State pledge flipped to UNC in December.

2. Phil Longo, formerly in charge of Ole Miss’ offense, is now the offensive coordinator for Brown. His Rebel offense in 2018 averaged nearly 34 points per game. He inherits a UNC unit that has strength in running backs with Michael Carter and Antonio Williams. The duo combined for 1,101 yards on 175 carries and seventh touchdowns last season.

3. UNC’s defense was among the country’s worst last season, allowing over 34 points and 447 yards a game. There’s a bright spot with defensive tackle Jason Strowbridge. The senior is coming off a season of 5.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and an honorable mention for All-ACC.

South Carolina depth chart

This story was originally published August 30, 2019 at 9:45 AM.

Ben Breiner

The State

Covers the South Carolina Gamecocks, primarily football, with a little basketball, baseball or whatever else comes up. Joined The State in 2015. Previously worked at Muncie Star Press and Greenwood Index-Journal. Picked up feature writing honors from the APSE, SCPA and IAPME at various points. A 2010 University of Wisconsin graduate. Support my work with a digital subscription