USC 34 - Vanderbilt 27: Thoughts on Win #6

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For a game where Vanderbilt scored first and had a chance to tie late in the 4th Quarter, it sure felt like South Carolina had control of this one the entire time. Here's some thoughts:

  • With the win over Vanderbilt South Carolina is now 4-2 in the SEC. This guarantees that they will will at least tie for the 8th best conference record in school history, and secure their first 0.500 or better SEC record since 2013. This was the 3rd consecutive SEC win for the Gamecocks this season.
  • South Carolina only punted the ball 3 times in 10 true possessions. They got points on 6 possession, with the opening drive of the 2nd Half ending in a missed FG. They were also 100% in the redzone, scoring TDs on each of their 3 trips inside the 20.
  • The 34 points were the most scored by the Carolina offense in any game this season. Kurt Roper's gameplan and execution was great.
  • The 212 rushing yards were the most the Gamecocks have managed all season. The rushing attack has improved steadily over the past few games, and this is mainly the result of better play on the offensive line as well as better play design.
  • Vanderbilt has only given up 10 sacks this season, and the Gamecocks didn't have much luck rushing the passer. A lot of this is due to the Commodores keeping 7 guys in to block on longer pass plays. Given that it is disappointing that the Gamecock secondary gave up so many yards through the air. You have to give Vandy QB Kyle Shurmur and Kalija Lipscomb credit though; some of those passes and catches were undefendable.

Teriyaki Chicken Wings

After every win I'll hand out a dozen wings to the players most responsible for the victory.

A.J. Turner

Had the best game of his career rushing for 121 yards and a TD on 15 carries (8.1 YPC) and also caught 4 balls for 24 yards.

AJ Turner goes around the end and up the field for a big run. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Jake Bentley

Jake Bentley was more like Jake Aston Martin in this game. He ran for 47 yards on 6 carries (7.8 YPC), and threw for another TD. I'm sure Vanderbilt safety LaDarius Wiley did not enjoy the film session on Sunday, as he let the whitest QB alive put him on skates South Carolina's first drive.

Jake Bentley keeps the zone read and takes it into the endzone. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Skai Moore

Skai Moore continues to have a huge impact on every game. He racked up 6 tackles, one for a loss, a pass defensed and a QB hurry. A questionable interference call on Chris Lammons negated what would have been his school record-tying 14th career interception.

Parker White

White has quietly become a pretty decent kicker. He was 2 for 3 on FG attempts in the game, and his one miss was 47-yarder that I think he starts hitting regularly with more experience. In total he accounted for 10 of SC's 34 points in the game.

Alan Knott

Knott has put together a solid season at center and has been the lone constant on the OL this season. He was recognized as the SEC Offensive Lineman of the week for the Vanderbilt game.

Chris Lammons

Led the team in tackles with 10 and defended 2 passes.

Hayden Hurst

Hurst only caught 4 balls for 31 yards in the game and had a 6-yard run, but his blocking was key to some of Carolina's explosive runs in the game.

Shi Smith

Shi is coming on strong in the back-half of the season as many expected he would. He led all receivers with 76 yards on 5 catches. He kicked things off with a big 21-yard reception on the SC's offensive play from scrimmage. Later in the game he hauled in a 36-yard TD reception with a great route on an RPO play where he initially faked the slant and then ran by the safety.

Jake Bentley throws the fade to Shi Smith for the touchdown. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Steven Montac

Grabbed the only turnover of the game with an interception in the 2nd Quarter.

Steven Montac picks off Kyle Shurmur and returns it 10 yards. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

That's all I've got for the Vanderbilt game. I would like to point out that the lady of the house was pretty close on her prediction (USC 30 - Vandy 27). She actually nailed Vandy's part of the score. Not bad for someone who is less than halfway through reading 'すぐわかるアメリカンフットボール'.