Despite shocking the college football world with their 22-point upset over Texas A&M last week, the South Carolina Gamecocks (5-3, 3-3) were left off both the AP top-25 and CFP top-25. This week, they have another chance to prove themselves as they travel to Nashville to battle the No. 24 Vanderbilt Commodores (6-3, 3-2).
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Football History
These two teams have played each other every season since 1992. Historically, South Carolina has dominated with a 29-4 record. Their .879 winning percentage against the Commodores is by far their best against any SEC opponent. The Gamecocks head into Saturday’s game on a 15 game winning streak against Vanderbilt that dates back to 2009. Last year when these two faced off, South Carolina dominated, winning 47-6.
South Carolina Key Players
Quarterback, LaNorris Sellers
As the weeks have gone on, LaNorris Sellers‘ progression has become more evident. He is continuing to put on display the offense South Carolina was hoping to get from him when fall camp wrapped up.
In every big time game (with the exception of Ole Miss), Sellers has done a tremendous job leading the offense, especially for a redshirt freshman. This week, against another ranked SEC opponent on the road, Sellers will get another shot to prove himself.
Defensive Back, Nick Emmanwori
Nick Emmanwori‘s 52 total tackles and four interceptions both lead the team. When he thrives, the unit thrives. As the Gamecocks look to reach a top-25 ranking, Emmanwori will have to lead the defensive unit.
Tight End, Joshua Simon
Joshua Simon leads the South Carolina Gamecocks football team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Though Mazeo Bennett Jr. was a full participant in practice this week and is set to play in Saturday’s game, it is unclear how many reps he will be getting in the game. On top of that, it remains to be seen how much contact his body can withstand at this point. With that being said, Simon needs to step up in the pass-catching game, as the wide receivers group continues to have big question marks surrounding it.
Vanderbilt Key Players
Quarterback, Diego Pavia
So far this season, Diego Pavia has passed for 15 touchdowns to only three interceptions. The senior is rapidly approaching 1,700 yards in his first season as the Commodores’ quarterback, after transferring from New Mexico State. He also leads Vandy in rushing yards with 563, more than 100 yards more than their running back Sedrick Alexander.
Pavia has passed for exactly two touchdowns in every conference game he has played so far this season, which can provide a true test against a great Carolina defense. He has only been sacked 11 times this season, which begs the question of how will he perform with pressure in his face from the front four of South Carolina.
Tight End, Eli Stowers
With 38 receptions for 516 yards, tight end Eli Stowers is averaging over 13 yards per catch. He is by far Pavia’s most trusted target, and has been the most reliable player for Vanderbilt’s offense. Stowers also has the ability to turn small plays into big plays, with his run after catch ability. With a touchdown in each of his last three games, he can certainly cause problems for the South Carolina defense.
South Carolina Keys to a Win
Keep the running game rolling
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders rushed for nearly 150 yards last week, and can be a huge component to the offense if he can get the run game going. For Sellers to have more success passing the ball, the rushing attack needs to be successful.
The defense must force turnovers
Last week, the Gamecocks’ got two stops on 4th-and-1, an interception and a fumble recovery. Two games ago against Oklahoma, South Carolina had a fumble recovery, scoop-and-score, interception, and a pick-6. Winning the turnover margin could end up being the difference in this football game for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Defensive line domination
The aforementioned non-existent pressure on Pavia this season will most likely come to a screeching halt at the hands of Kyle Kennard, Dylan Stewart, Tonka Hemingway, and others. If they can contain Pavia, South Carolina has a serious chance to pull out a victory against Vanderbilt.
