Previewing Saturday’s matchup between Vanderbilt and South Carolina (3 p.m. CT on SEC Network):
History Lesson: Vanderbilt trails in the all-time series 4-23 and has dropped the last nine vs. South Carolina. In 2017, the Gamecocks escaped with a tight 34-27 win over the Commodores in Columbia.
Names to Watch (South Carolina)
QB Jake Bentley
Bentley, a junior, ventures to Nashville having completed 68.4 percent of his throws while tossing for five touchdowns against two picks. His 6.8 yards per attempt ranks just 11th among SEC quarterbacks, but he ran for two scores in last year’s win over Vanderbilt.
WR/KR Deebo Samuel
The preseason All-America and All-SEC honoree is one of the most electrifying kick returners in college football. He took two kickoffs to the house for touchdowns in 2017 – each from 97 yards out – and remains a dangerous receiver, as well. In 2018, Samuel has caught a team-high 13 passes.
DB Jaycee Horn
Horn started in the season opener vs. Coastal Carolina, becoming just the seventh Gamecock to start as a true freshman in the season opener since 2009. He already ranks second among Gamecocks with eight tackles and has also chipped in two tackles for loss and a sack.
The Statistical
6
Points allowed by Vanderbilt’s defense in the second half of games in 2018. The Commodores might start slow, but they come on strong on both sides of the ball after halftime. Through three games, Vanderbilt has outscored its opponents 59-6 in the second half.
158.5
Rushing yards per game averaged by South Carolina this season, which ranks 12th in the SEC. The Gamecocks struggled to run the ball in 2017 and have yet to find their stride this fall. But behind 121 yards from A.J. Turner, South Carolina piled up 212 rushing yards in last year’s win over Vanderbilt.
10
Vanderbilt penalties against South Carolina in 2017. The Commodores handed over 100 yards of free yardage as part of 10 penalties last season vs. the Gamecocks.
The Big Question: How good is South Carolina? The Gamecocks have played two lopsided games on opposite ends of the spectrum. They beat Coastal Carolina 49-15 before dropping a 41-17 game against then-No. 3 Georgia. It’s difficult to get a read on South Carolina give its uneven early slate, but the Commodores are fortunately plenty familiar with the roster of their SEC East foe.
Vanderbilt Needs To: Shut down Bentley. The junior signal-caller can be a dynamic threat when he needs to be; he combined for three total touchdowns and 221 yards of offense last year vs. Vanderbilt. Moreover, he didn’t commit any turnovers. The Gamecocks’ seemingly can’t run the ball this season, so if the Dores can keep Bentley in check, that could lead to an SEC victory.
Did You Know? Five of the last six games between Vanderbilt and South Carolina have been decided by 10 points or less.
He Said It: “When we look at it, we’ve lost nine straight. That’s got to change at some point in time. Why not this week?” –head coach Derek Mason on Vanderbilt’s losing streak vs. South Carolina.
Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics.
Pre-Snap Read: South Carolina
