Level two of South Carolina’s November to Remember is coming up on Saturday. The Gamecocks will be at home against a struggling Vanderbilt Commodores team on the SEC Network at noon. To be frank, the Gamecocks should win the game. They are the favorites by almost two touchdowns. However, fans are still a little scarred by the struggle that was had last week as the 15.5-point favorite South Carolina needed a late interception return for a touchdown to make it a 10-point game. To stay on the trajectory needed to gain bowl eligibility, Carolina needs to win convincingly and pick up momentum and confidence heading into a matchup with Kentucky. Consistency on offense and limiting explosive plays on defense are two major factors in how the Gamecocks should beat Vanderbilt.
Move The Ball
Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains has had to be creative in finding ways to protect Spencer Rattler. 39% of Rattler’s dropbacks have come with pressure. The Gamecocks gave up 36 sacks over the first nine games. That sack number is the third most nationally. However, when he has had time, Rattler has been electric. Despite the pressure, he still completed nearly 70% of his passes. The connection between Rattler and Xavier Legette has often been the difference for the Gamecocks. This week will present similar opportunities. Vanderbilt is giving up over 290 yards passing per game. To add on, the Commodores allow nearly three touchdowns through the air per game as well. If Rattler throws for close to 300 yards and three touchdowns, the Gamecocks should beat Vanderbilt.
On the ground, Mario Anderson was a bit banged up last week against Jacksonville State. He has proven to be the best runner on this team and developed into a well-rounded back. Opponents average 170 yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game on the ground against Vandy. They’re also giving up runs to build an average of 5.2 yards per carry. Loggains brought out some new offensive formations last week. The Gamecocks started the game with three running backs. After an injury to Dakereon Joyner, Anderson may need to be more of a traditional workhorse this week for Carolina. However, look for Loggains to continue being creative in how he schemes open-run plays. The much-maligned Gamecock offensive line is healing as weeks go on, but they still cannot be relied on heavily. New wrinkles may give the spark needed against a porous Commodore defense. If the Gamecocks rush for anywhere close to 170 yards, this game will not be in doubt in the fourth quarter.
Keep Them In Front
Clayton White’s defense has given up a lot of points this season. The once “bend but don’t break” mentality has broken often. Many of South Carolina’s opponents have been run first teams. However, Quarterbacks known as game managers have stepped in and racked up passing yards against the Gamecocks. Vandy scores 24.5 points per game, which is over a touchdown less than what the Gamecocks are giving up. So, something has to give in this matchup. One team has to outperform its average. White will need to focus on explosive pass plays if he wants that to be the Gamecocks. The number of the week is 4.3. That’s the number of explosive pass plays that Vanderbilt averages per game. They do not run the ball effectively, but the threat on the ground can never be discounted against this Gamecocks’ defense.
On the outside, Vandy has two receiving threats in Will Sheppard, who ranks eighth in the league in yards, and South Carolina native Jayden McGowan. This week, White’s 4-2-5 scheme will present good matchups. Carolina can look to control the Commodore run game with the front and leave more defensive backs to sit in coverage. Keeping receivers in front and now allowing explosive plays will go a long way toward winning the game. If Gamecock DBs can keep from getting beaten over the top, they should beat Vanderbilt. Given the track record of this defense, that task is more difficult than it appears. In the Gamecocks’ favor, however, is their talent in the secondary. While that talent has been out of position at times this season, the ability still exists.
Make Explosives and Limit Explosives
The Gamecocks should beat Vanderbilt if they can make big plays and limit Vanderbilt from doing the same. This sounds a bit obvious, but the matchup sets up for big plays in both directions. Rattler and Legette alone can break it open for Carolina. If other offensive playmakers get involved, and the offensive line has a decent day, then this sets up nicely for the Gamecocks. The Commodores will look to expose a South Carolina secondary that has played poorly repeatedly this season. If that unit can continue to cause turnovers or get force punts on 50% of Vandy’s possessions, then the Gamecocks will win the game.
Final Score: South Carolina 34 Vanderbilt 23
