Vandy/South Carolina Writeup
South Carolina Gamecocks @ South Carolina Gamecocks
9/4/2008 7:30PM
Analysis: South Carolina Offense vs. Vanderbilt Defense
One of the big suprises of the Spurrior regime at USC has been the continued struggle on offense for the Gamecocks. This season the expectations were pretty low for the unit and they were hadly impressive vs. NC State. That is until Smelley came in and played well putting touchdowns on the board. Overall SC units are lower tier SEC across the boardand I have no illusions about them being a dominant unit. However, I think that they clearly have potential and have the ability to put up some points. Vanderbilt's defense remains underrated, DJ Moore is tremendous and the front seven was extremely impressive last week. People do not realize that Vandy had one of the nations premier defenses last year and the replacements look able bodied. I think the Gamecocks have mild success here, they should get somewhere around 20 points, but labor to do so all night.
Analysis: Vanderbilt Offense vs. South Carolina Defense
South Carolina will bring in one of the nation's top defenses to Nashville and I fully expect them to build on last week's shutout victory. Terrific linebackers lead the defense, but it is great all around. Hurt by injuries last year, the defense currently should be dominant. As for the Vandy "O", they were the one thing I missed on in week one, as they totally exceeded my expectations. However, I am not sold yet. A lot of people are over hyping this unit (i think) after week one, I still think that Vandy will not be in the top 100 scoring offenses this season. Nickson was basiclly the entire offense last week and he certainly looks to be back after last years nagging injuries, but I don;t believe that he can singlehandly take down the SC defense. There is very limited Running game outside of Nickson and Nickson's passing still needs work. I believe that SC will shut down the entire running game of Vanderbilt, and force the Dores to throw pretty quickly. That will be a great position for SC and Vandy will struggle hard on offense all day. This offense will not be good and I think they will come crashing down to Earth here.
Overall Analysis
Some people have been throwing around the idea that SC will be in "lookahead" mode with Goergia up next. That can no way be true. THis will be a great nightime, national TV, midweek environment. In addition, we humiliated SC last year and they will be ready to play. No way SC doesn't come into this one supermotivated. Yes Vandy gained confidence last week but I just dont see them winning the intensity battle once the frustrations of offensive ineptitude start. This should be a low scoring affair that exposes Vandy as an SEC doormat this year. I expect SC to get around 20 points, dominate field position and TOP and control the game. I do not see Vandy getting many points at all. 24-6 is proabably a good projected final score. Nothing would make me happier than a Vandy win here and I am excited as hell for this game, but I am using my head here. SC rolls.
