The South Carolina Gamecocks hit the road for the second straight week as they face SEC Eastern Division foe Vanderbilt on Saturday in Nashville. For Carolina, it is about getting back on the winning side and keeping the SEC Eastern Crown within sight. Vandy looks to do what Kentucky did last week and get the upset.
The Gamecocks are 4-2 (2-2 SEC) after suffering an emotional letdown to Kentucky in Lexington last week by the score of 31-28. Vandy also is seeking a rebound after getting a beating from Georgia by the score of 43-0. The loss puts the ‘Dores at 2-4 (1-2 SEC). Both teams are in need of a win this Saturday as mathematically both have a chance right now for the SEC East.
This marks the 20th game in the series between USC and Vanderbilt that dates back to 1961. The ‘Cocks lead the all-time series 15-4, including an 8-2 mark in games played in Nashville. USC won the last meeting, 14-10, in Columbia last year after losing two times in a row to Vandy.
A win at Vandy will snap a seven-game losing streak in SEC road games and improve Coach Spurrier’s all-time record versus Vanderbilt to 16-2 (4-2 at Carolina). For Carolina to do this it has to wash its’ hands of the Bama win and the UK loss. Move on from both games and focus on what is in front of them. This goes for the team and the fans.
The Gamecocks have to learn two things: how to finish strong and how to play a complete game. Seems the Gamecocks are lacking a killer instinct and this must change as letting teams linger has caused issues for them (see Auburn and see Kentucky). The other is Carolina must play a complete game on both sides of the ball for 60 minutes.
South Carolina is successful when they bring balance to their offense. The unfortunate part of the offense heading into Vandy is all-star running back Marcus Lattimore is out for the game. For the Gamecocks, they must learn to win without one of their star players. Marcus needs to rest that foot/ankle and get ready for the Tennessee game as he will be needed a lot more in that game than in the Vandy game. The ‘Dores are by no means a cake-walk as for some reason Vandy gives the Gamecocks problems.
It is all about Carolina playing their game, for the entire game. Do that and do these 3 keys and USC will get the needed win…
3 Keys to a USC Win
1. Avoid Mistakes — For USC it is all about not beating themselves and opening the door for Vandy to capitalize off a mistake. SC just needs to play smart football overall on both sides of the ball. No dumb penalties or missed assignments.
2. USC Defense Stepping Up — USC has no business being in last place in the SEC or 110th in the country in pass defense, but that’s where they now find themselves (270.8 ypg). Four of the first six opponents have passed for 274 yards or more, three for 315 yards or more. In the last two games, USC has given up 664 total passing yards. The Gamecocks must play tighter coverage and get after it, be aggressive. Enough soft play as it boils down to shutting down the worst offense in the SEC. Sorry Vandy but truth hurts.
3. Other SC Players Rise Up — The Gamecocks are way too talented of a team to depend so heavily on a few players. It is time for all the players that are playing to step up their game a bit.
If Carolina does these three things, as I expect they will, the Gamecocks will win this game by the score of 31-10.
Thoughts? Do you agree?
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