First look at South Carolina-Missouri: Betting odds, TV details, more
Despite starting the year away from home in a neutral-site game against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, this weekend will provide the first true road test of 2025 for the now-unranked South Carolina football team.
The Gamecocks head to the other Columbia to face off against the No. 23 Missouri Tigers in this year’s iteration of the battle for the Mayor’s Cup. South Carolina has an SEC game under its belt and will serve as Mizzou’s conference opener.
How to watch South Carolina vs. Missouri
When: Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium (Columbia, Missouri)
TV/stream: ESPN
Series history: USC is 6-8 against the Tigers since the first meeting in 1979. The teams have played every year since 2012. South Carolina won the last matchup at home 34-30 in 2024, ending Mizzou’s five-game winning streak.
Betting odds
The Gamecocks are 13.5-point underdogs against the Tigers, according to the VegasInsider line that factors in multiple sportsbooks. The over/under is set at 48.5 points.
About South Carolina
USC is now 2-1 following a 31-7 loss at home against Vanderbilt, breaking a 16-game win streak against the Commodores. The Gamecocks struggled all game as lurking issues became blatant against SEC competition. South Carolina began the year with a 24-11 win in Atlanta against Virginia Tech and followed up with 38-10 home opener victory against S.C. State.
About Mizzou
The Tigers are now 3-0 after a 52-10 win against Louisiana-Lafayette. They came out to a dominant start against the Ragin’ Cajuns with 38 points in the first half. Louisiana didn’t score outside of the second quarter. Missouri started the year off with a dominant 61-6 win against Central Arkansas. The Tigers are already rivalry-tested following 42-31 win Sept. 6 against Kansas in the Border War.
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Players to watch: Gamecocks and Tigers
South Carolina
Luke Doty, QB: Doty took over for the Gamecocks offense after LaNorris Sellers went down with injury in the first half against Vanderbilt. He went 18 for 27 passing for 148 yards and an interception. It’s unknown if Sellers will be available Saturday, or if Doty will get the call to start, but he looks to be the most likely replacement option. USC’s offense has relied on Sellers to go above and beyond at times, and Doty will need to find his footing fast to take charge.
Justin Okoronkwo, LB: Okoronkwo, a Germany product and Alabama transfer, has made an early impact as a Gamecock. He’s posted 11 tackles (six solo) in three games this season, and pulled in his first career interception against Vanderbilt. He and Fred “JayR” Johnson have emerged as the two most consistent linebackers on the USC roster. Their play will be critical against a versatile Missouri offense.
Missouri
Ahmad Hardy, RB: Mizzou’s sophomore tailback was simply dominant against Louisiana. He put up 22 carries for 250 yards, averaging 11.4 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns. It’s the second time this season he’s had 20-plus carries after getting 25 touches against Kansas. A transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, he ran for 1,351 and 13 touchdowns his freshman season.
Damon Wilson II, DE: Wilson was the front-runner for Mizzou in what was a team effort defensively against Louisiana. He put up four tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss as the Tigers allowed just one touchdown. The junior has two sacks through three games in 2025. Wilson transferred from Georgia this offseason after putting up 22 tackles and three sacks for the Bulldogs last year.
South Carolina 2025 football schedule
- Aug. 31: USC 24, Virginia Tech 11
- Sept. 6: USC 38, SC State 10
- Sept. 13; Vanderbilt 31, USC 7
- Sept. 20 at Missouri - 7 p.m. EST (ESPN)
- Sept. 27 vs. Kentucky - TBD
- Oct. 11 at No. 9 LSU - TBD
- Oct. 18 vs. No. 18 Oklahoma - TBD
- Oct. 25 vs. No. 8 Alabama - TBD
- Nov. 1 at No. 21 Ole Miss - TBD
- Nov. 15 at No. 19 Texas A&M - TBD
- Nov. 22 vs. Coastal Carolina - TBD
- Nov. 29 vs. No. 4 Clemson - Noon (ABC or ESPN)
This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
