Gamecocks grind past Vanderbilt, 24-7

The South Carolina Gamecocks rang in Homecoming with a vintage slopfest against the Vanderbilt Commodores, posting a 24-7 win on Saturday night.

Bryan Edwards caught a school-record 14 catches and put up a mammoth 139-yard performance, adding a touchdown, as the clear offensive MVP for South Carolina. Deshaun Fenwick, seeing his first extended action against SEC competition, posted a 102-yard game on 18 carries.

Vanderbilt scored on the game's opening possession, but an injury to quarterback Riley Nash and a USC defense that finally woke up held the 'Dores to just 189 yards.

It was South Carolina's 11th straight win over Vanderbilt, but was a largely ugly contest that featured a lot of penalties and sloppy play. I'm other words, a typical showing for this series.

The Gamecocks (4-5, 3-4 SEC) must now face No. 20 Appalachian State next week to continue to keep their bowl hopes alive.