Quarterback
The major point for Vanderbilt should be
getting the quarterback situation figured out to have a solid starter against
the Gamecocks. Mackenzie Adams is completing 58% of his passes for 257
yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. He replaced a struggling Chris Nickson for good in the second half of the Georgia game. Adams must be
accurate in the pocket, like he was for much of the Georgia
game. Vanderbilt can not afford to have a poor passing game as well as a
poor running game against the powerful SEC East. Vandy must be able to
throw better than they have earlier this year. Also, Earl Bennett must get
more catches. In the games that Vandy has lost, Bennett has not made as
many catches as he averages, and Vandy must give him at least 7-10 receptions if
they want to beat South Carolina. This should be the major point in
practice this week, and we will see if Johnson and Company can come up with an
answer at quarterback.
Penalties
Although Vanderbilt has been good on
penalties over the past couple of years, they must cut down the dumb
penalties. In the fourth quarter, Vandy had a 30+ yard pass called back
because they had too many people on the line of scrimmage. This penalty was
called twice against the Dores, and they must refrain from getting these
penalties to beat a very good South Carolina team on the road. In order for
Vanderbilt to upset Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks, the Commodores must play an
absolutely mistake free game, which includes limiting penalties, turnovers,
sacks, and other busted plays.
Special Teams
With the Vanderbilt offense struggling at
times, Special Teams must come up huge against the Gamecocks. DJ Moore has
done an excellent job at returning kickoffs this year, and Alex Washington has
returned punts very well. Vanderbilt will need to put the offense in good
field position in order to win this game. The return game will be
important, but so will the kicking game. Vandy will need to back up South
Carolina as much as they can. Chris Smelly, who has thrown four
interceptions this year, will need to be challenged. Brent Upson must
continue his strong punting game, like he did against Georgia, when he hit a
couple of 50+ yard punts. Bryant Hahnfeldt has steadied his kicking game,
as he has connected on 8 of 11 field goals this season. Vandy will need a
consistent game from both Upson and Hahnfeldt to beat the sixth ranked
Gamecocks.
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Run Defense
Once again, the Commodore defensive line
will be key this week. South Carolina has rushed for 896 yards this
season. Cory Boyd leads all tailbacks with 482 yards and four
touchdowns. He has a 4.7 yard per carry average. Steven Stone and
Curtis Gatewood have stepped up to bottle up the run. Theo Horrocks will
need a good game as well. Jonathan Goff will need to continue his ruthless
tackling against Carolina. Vanderbilt must also worry about Mike Davis (411
yards, 5 TD, 4.9 YPC).
Last Meeting: South Carolina 31 Vanderbilt 13 (2006 in Nashville)