USC 19 - Vanderbilt 10: Thoughts on Win #3
At Least We Can Still Count on Vanderbilt
After one of the most tumultuous weeks for South Carolina football that I can remember, it was great to see local boy Shawn Elliott get his first win as Interim HBC. This was a must-win game for a program in the midst of a tailspin, and Elliott was able get his team ready to play in short amount of time. In some sense it was an illustration of how far this program has fallen in 1.5 years that we come out in special all black jerseys to play a Vanderbilt team that hadn't won an SEC game since 2013. It is what it is, I guess. It was the right time for Spurrier to step away, and Shawn Elliott was definitely the best choice to finish out the season.
Defense led the way in this one, forcing 5 turnovers and limiting Vanderbilt to only 10 points. South Carolina's offensive ineptitude eased up to a small degree, but only until the Gamecocks reached the red-zone. I believe after this game SC is now dead last in red-zone scoring in all of Division I football, which is stupid and obscene. A win is a win, however, and given the remaining schedule this team can't take those for granted.
Teriyaki Chicken Wings
After every win I'm going to hand out a dozen teriyaki chicken wings to the players with the biggest contributions. Here are the recipients for third win:
Skai Moore - 3 Wings
Skai's stat line for this game was beyond ridiculous: 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 sack, an interception, and forced fumble on his sack that he recovered. He's also been by far the most consistent player on the team this season. As of today he's 5th in the SEC in tackles, and 2nd in interceptions with 4.
Elliott Fry - 3 Wings
Fry accounted for 13 of the Gamecocks 19 points, hitting 4 FGs on 6 attempts, one of which was a 47-yarder.
Pharoh Cooper - 1 Wing
Cooper had a drop in the end-zone, but led led the team in receiving with 7 catches and 160 yards. His 78-yarder was a thing of beauty, and the Gamecock's only TD of the game.
Bryson Allen-Williams - 1 Wing
One of the all-time best recruits finally began to live up to his potential in relief of T.J. Holloman after his ejection for targeting. BAW's pick was the his first of the season, but the 6th the Gamecocks have had from the MIKE LB position, which has been very productive within Hoke's scheme this season.
Chris Lammons - 1 Wing
Lammons is without a doubt the best cornerback on the team. You get a pick you get a wing.
Marquavius Lewis - 1 Wing
Qua has been getting better by the week, and got his 2nd sack in as many games against Vanderbilt., in addition to multiple QB pressures.
Brandon Wilds - 1 Wing
Wilds didn't find the end-zone, but his 24 carries for 119 yards against a fairly decent Commodore defense led the team in rushing.
Perry Orth - 1 Wing
Orth completed 17 of 28 for 278 yards and a TD, although he did have 1 INT. His stat line would have been much better without multiple drops by his receivers. Orth has demonstrated through 7 games that he gives the Gamecocks the best chance to win.
Watch Shawn Elliott's first victory as head ball coach here: