USC 37 - Vanderbilt 14: Thoughts on Win #2

Back on Track

After taking back-to-back losses to Georgia and a hurricane, the Gamecocks went up to Nashville and took care of business in a big way. The 23-point margin of victory was the largest in the series since the Gamecocks won 31 - 6 in Nashville in 2004. Without the two fumbles late in the game (one of those being a questionable call by the officials) in heavy rain after a weather delay, I have no doubt SC could have put half a hundred on the scoreboard. This game was dominated by the Gamecocks in every way possible, but particularly on both lines of scrimmage. The Commodores were held to less than 100 yards rushing and only 284 yards of total offense, while the Gamecocks piled up 273 yards and 534, respectively. The Commodores won’t be confused with a great team like Georgia, but any road win in the SEC is one received gladly.

Teriyaki Chicken Wings

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

Jake Bentley

261 yards over 28 attempts, with a completion percentage of 67.9%. Got his lone TD pass on a 38-yard strike to Shi Smith on the 4th snap of the game. Had complete control of the offense and made good decisions all night.

Rico Dowdle

Dowdle rushed for 112 yards on 20 carries and absolutely did not fumble the ball near the goal line.

Rico runs through a huge hole on the right side. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Javon Kinlaw

Kinlaw had one of the most dominating performances on defense that I’ve seen in quite a while.

Javon Kinlaw strips the ball from Kyle Shurmur and Aaron Sterling recovers the fumble. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Shi Smith

Had 119 yards receiving on only 5 catches.

Jake Bentley finds Shi Smith deep to the 3 yard line. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Zack Bailey

You don’t run for 273 yards without great interior OL play. Zack was the best of the bunch.

Bryson Allen-Williams

Led the team in tackles with 7, and also had a TFL and a QB hurry. Was all over the field and affected the game in ways that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

Rashad Fenton

Nice pick, bro.

Rashad Fenton picks off Kyle Shurmur. Video from SEC Network Audio from 107.5 The Game Commentary by Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs

Parker White

White was 3 for 3 on FG attempts, and accounted for 13 total points.

That’s it for the wrap-up of the win against Vanderbilt. Go Cocks.