The Feed Pail - September 1, 2016: South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Gameday Edition

TBS - Five players to watch on the Gamecocks’ defense. Shurburtt counts them down. Also, Whittle dives into the question we here at GABA were wondering: what’s happened to Boosie Whitlow? ($) A look at what Lance Thompson’s looking for from his d-line this year, including his “back to basics” approach in teaching both the vets and new kids proper fundamentals. Also, how have recent Gamecocks coaches done in their debuts on the South Carolina sideline?

The State - Gamecocks need offensive line to pave the way. With a true freshman quarterback (whether it’s B-Mac or Bentley) sure to see a good deal of time this year, along with a running back-by-committee approach being employed (also featuring a true freshman), the five men up front will need to be stout - not just tonight, but throughout the season. Also, Kendall’s predicting six wins, which he calls “a step in the right direction”. I agree on both counts. Cloninger has his “5 story lines, 5 numbers” for this evening, and gives a projection of his own. (By the way, how’d they pick this one? Here’s Kendall’s selection, and here’s Cloninger’s.)

P&C: David Caraviello chatted with B-Mac’s mother on why he picked South Carolina and how his extended family in the state played into his decision. (Caraviello’s also saying six wins, by the way.)

Greenville News: Willie Smith has the Gamecocks beat covered in the Upstate, as always - reporting that Derek Mason’s planning for Perry Orth under center. Also, a look at Deebo Samuel - who’s “ready to lead” in 2016.

GoUpstate: USC opens Will Muschamp era at Vanderbilt.

Athlon - Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina Preview and Prediction. “The Thursday night matchup between Vanderbilt and South Carolina isn’t likely to register as one of the best games for Week 1, but there’s plenty at stake for these two teams...Thursday night’s game could play a huge role in determining which program finishes fourth in the East and challenges for a bowl game.”

GamecocksOnline - Gamecock Gameday preview.

Vanderbilt coverage

Anchor of Gold: Vanderbilt’s history says Derek Mason won’t get fired after year three. A prediction from one of the AoG staff writers on how the ‘Dores season will go. Our guy James also did a Q&A with Christian, their editor-in-chief (Thanks Christian!).

VandyMania (Scout): Head to head: Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina

Vandy247: Questions on South Carolina

The Tennessean: Vanderbilt season opener not must win, but close to it | Five things to watch | Vanderbilt position analysis

Also, because it’s gameday, watch The Hit 1,000,000 times to get ready.