FIVE REASONS: at Vanderbilt
by cocknfire
on Sep 4, 2008 2:29 AM EDT
in Football
As usual, visit the Open Thread during the game.
1. It's Vanderbilt. They never win. Never mind.
2. Chris Smelley. Truth be told, I feel better going into this game with Smelley under center than Beecher. Aside from what happened last week, Smelley has more experience and has actually started in the SEC -- something necessary for a conference road game, even one in Nashville. He goes up against a team that allowed 244 yards passing against a MAC team last week.
3. The defense. Yes, it was N.C. State. But we thought this unit would be tough coming into the season, and it was last week. There's no reason to think that it won't have a good deal of success against the Commodores.
4. Mike Davis. Even without starting, Davis piled up 101 yards and a score on the ground. It won't be easy; Vanderbilt allowed just 3.8 ypc last week against Miami (OH). But if the Gamecocks can get a lead, Davis can work on the clock.
5. Revenge. This one shouldn't need explanation.
1. Chris Nickson. The Vanderbilt QB won't carve anybody up through the air, but he can pick up big chunks on the ground. This might be the first legitimate test of the Gamecocks run defense -- which, you'll remember, was the big worry coming into the season.
2. D.J. Moore. A sack, an interception, a forced fumble -- all in the first game. There's a reason the Dores' top defensive back was a preseason pick for All-SEC. Moore had 6 INTs last year in an impressive campaign, and he looks like he's picked up where he left off this season. Smelley better have a better game through the air this week than Beecher had last week, or Moore will make him pay.
3. No invincibility. Nothing makes it harder for a team to win than being used to losing. The Commodores had gotten used to losing against South Carolina -- but now they know they can win. With college students, that means something.
4. Fast starts. Vanderbilt's game against Miami last week was essentially over at the half after the Dores ran up a 27-10 lead and coasted from there. South Carolina had to run up the score late to make the margin look impressive. If the Gamecocks drag again, they'll find themselves in a hole that might be too big to escape.
5. Third down. The Commodores were 8-of-15 last week on third down. They'll need to repeat that to wear down the Gamecocks' defense and keep the score low. A quick-strike shootout probably doesn't bode well for Vanderbilt.
PREDICTION: Scary, scary game, but the Gamecocks pull it out in the end. South Carolina 18, Vanderbilt 14
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Not trash talking
But I’m curious to see how they handle Nickson. NC State was moving the ball with some effectiveness before the starting QB was hurt and Nickson is a better runner. I’m guessing EJ will load the box and make Nickson beat’em with his arm. Still I want to see how your LB’s do getting to the edge.
by deanpat92 on Sep 4, 2008 10:25 AM EDT 0 recs
That's legit
But seeing how well Norwood rushed the passer last year, I’m still not sure this is going to be a big issue for him. My only concern is with J-Brink, given the injuries last year.
by cocknfire on
Sep 4, 2008 1:13 PM EDT
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Gamecocks tied for #1 ?!?
This poll (ripbcs.com) shows South Carolina tied for #1 in the nation!!!
Go figure.
by DawgPound on Sep 4, 2008 11:22 AM EDT 0 recs
Dean is right...
Containing the edges will be key to a solid defensive performances. Our DEs need to get into the backfield, and our LBs and DBs need to cover the edges if Nickson gets loose.
Go Cocks!
by Gamecock Man on Sep 4, 2008 12:13 PM EDT 0 recs
Well, well.
What happened to the whole “It’s our turn now” talk?
Looks like Spurrier needs more than his own name to win football games.
Bobby Johnson FTW.
Spurrier should have gone to another conference.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
by Gatorpilot on Sep 4, 2008 11:45 PM EDT 0 recs
You know, Gatorpilot
Somehow I knew I’d find a comment from you here.
I really have to wonder why you feel the need to come on this site after every disappointing South Carolina game and comment. Has your Oedipal hatred of Spurrier so consumed you that you can find nothing better to do on a Thursday night than come onto another fan base’s Web site and spew this crap around.
I’d ban you, but it’s not worth the five seconds it would take me to do it.
Get a life.
by cocknfire on
Sep 4, 2008 11:48 PM EDT
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Sorry.
You are kind of right here.
I blame it on Thursday night alcohol. Sorry man, bad timing. I apologize.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
by Gatorpilot on Sep 4, 2008 11:50 PM EDT 0 recs
Apology accepted
I was probably a bit too harsh on the reply.
by cocknfire on
Sep 5, 2008 12:30 AM EDT
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In all seriousness...
Vandy did look pretty good. They have a chance to beat most SEC teams. The rest of the conference better not take them lightly this year.
Again, sorry for the crappy comment.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
by Gatorpilot on Sep 4, 2008 11:52 PM EDT 0 recs
I disagree
This game looked like a battle of lower tier big10 teams. Both teams will have one more major upset this season in conference play. that is all.
by formerlyanonymous on Sep 5, 2008 12:03 AM EDT 0 recs
always shameful
how hard is it to cheer for a team that always finds a way to disappoint. This was supposed to be the year of the gamecock. The defense was in place, the offense was going to be talented enough to score. Spurriers calling card was supposed to be offense. People give Spurrier credit for being a great coach, but at Florida they always seemed to have a week schedule, he had Fulmers number, and Jim Donovan managed to turn Georgia into a middle of the road team in the SEC, LSU was down, and they were afraid to take on Auburn. Now he is back to tease the fans, I want to see them get to the top of the SEC, but it seems doubtful. The sad truth about this team is that the Line, the QB, and RB’s all SUCK. The QB’s have noodle arms and can’t read a defense. The line is low on talent, and get pitiful leverage at the point of attack. What little openings they manage, Davis and Ranks are too slow to break it for a big gain. Next week Georgia is going to humiliate the team in Columbia, to make a statement to Southern Cal and Ohio St. Good thing Wofford shows up for a beat down. Matter of fact why not play them this week at least the first loss would have come to a real program, not a bottom of the barrel Vanderbilt team. The Joker who praised Vandy knows nothing about football. The only other win will probably come against Kentucky. Sadly that might be the only SEC win we get this year. Poor Gamecocks! Maybe Spurrier will play Garcia and Baker to create some excitement in the backfield. Do something before it gets out of control.
by shamecocks on Sep 5, 2008 12:16 AM EDT 0 recs
The "joker who...knows nothing about football" wasn't necessary
We try to be respectful here — though I admit I might have fallen a bit short earlier in the thread. I know that you’re probably just as pissed at the rest of us, but let’s try to refrain from personally attacking other commenters, especially when they’re not saying something bad about Carolina.
by cocknfire on
Sep 5, 2008 12:37 AM EDT
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That was...
… the blog equivalent of a reacharound. Try to accept a cheap compliment, sir, and not look a gift horse in the mouth.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
by Gatorpilot on Sep 5, 2008 12:30 AM EDT 0 recs
Another Disappointment
Once again, I put my faith in my beloved Gamecocks, only to come away with having Vanderbilt earn their first win against a ranked team at home since something like 1930. I find it hard to believe that Spurrier, considering his coaching clout, can’t recruit and field a team that can be consistent and at least win games that they should. I feel sorry for all the Gamecock fans who put money on this game with us at -9.5. What a joke. Our defense allowed 0 touchdowns in 6 quarters …….then gives up 3 in a half…….wtf? Next week, as I sit and watch the game with a UGA grad, will probably be another sad moment. Our team is bound to be utterly destroyed on the field….quit dreaming about a repeat of last year’s win. I’m honestly considering going back to college for another degree just to be a part of a school with the ability to excite their fans with a few victories….especially in games they SHOULD win. Shame on you Gamecocks….I sit here in Vermont year after year hoping for something more than disappointment. Georgia 42 USC 10 :(
by VermontGamecock on Sep 5, 2008 12:32 AM EDT 0 recs
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