POSITIVES
The Gamecocks looked good in nearly every facet of the game, and improved in some areas that had been lacking over the first few contests. First, and foremost, was the run game. The Gamecocks were able to push the Commodores around at the line of scrimmage, and open huge holes for South Carolina tailbacks.
The 289 yards is the highest rushing output that the Gamecocks have had in over a season, going back to a week two matchup with Charleston Southern in 2019.
South Carolina also showed vast improvement in the return game, which had been absolutely atrocious through two games. Against Florida and Tennessee, the Gamecocks had just two returns resulting in -1 return yards and a turnover.
Saturday, however, they flipped the script. Shi Smith got a couple of opportunities to field kickoffs, breaking off one for a 31-yard gain. Punt returner Jammie Robinson was even better, fielding three punts for 30 yards. Neither looked hesitant with their decision making, and it helped the Gamecocks flip field position throughout the afternoon.
Finally, the receiving corps helped out Shi Smith for the first time all year. Averaging 11 catches a game over the first two contests, Smith was only seldom-needed against the Commodores, as he recorded four receptions for 46 yards.
The main help came from tight end Nick Muse, who may have had his best game in a South Carolina uniform, hauling in five passes for 85 yards. He was a key outlet for quarterback Collin Hill and provided big plays to keep drives alive.
AREA FOR IMPROVEMENT
Though the Gamecocks held Vanderbilt to just seven points, there were some areas that need improvement. Had the Commodores not squandered a couple of early opportunities inside the redzone, they could’ve kept the game a little more competitive in the first half.
Much of the offensive success the Commodores had was in the run game. Their two top back combined for 99 yards on 19 carries. Keyon Henry-Brooks averaged 5.5 yards a pop, breaking off a couple of explosive runs, while Jamauri Wakefield added 27 yards on his six carries throughout the contest.
South Carolina’s defense will have to improve in the run game with Auburn coming to town next weekend. The Tigers are fresh off of a 260-yard rushing performance in a win versus Arkansas.
LOOKING AHEAD
South Carolina improves to 1-2 with the win over Vanderbilt. Auburn is next on the schedule, also sitting at 1-2 following a last-second win over the Razorbacks on Saturday. The winner of this game will start to build some momentum as SEC play continues. The Gamecocks haven’t defeated the Tigers since joining the conference back in 1992.
The matchup is set to kick at noon, with the Gamecocks opening as three-point home underdogs.