South Carolina Football: Ranking each game on the Entertainment Scale

South Carolina Football’s No. 10 Most Entertaining Game of 2023:
Vanderbilt Commodores

Clark Lea is building a competitive football team in Nashville, and last year’s 2 SEC victories are a sign of progress. However, this is still the same program that South Carolina has beaten 14 years in a row, with 10 of those victories by 7+ points. Until Vanderbilt finally beats South Carolina again, (dare I say it might never happen in the Shane Beamer era) this game is penciled in as a win, and not typically competitive.

Quarterback AJ Swann and receivers Will Sheppard and Quincy Skinner, who led the ‘Dores in receiving against South Carolina last season, do return, but top back Ray Davis is gone, transferring to Kentucky. South Carolina’s defensive secondary is strong, and Vanderbilt’s run game isn’t going to be much of a threat (mobile QB Mike Wright transferred to Mississippi State in the offseason.)

On the defensive side, leading tackler Anfernee Orji is gone but secondary anchors De’Rickey Wright and CJ Taylor could make a day difficult for Gamecock receivers. Ultimately, though, it’s not likely to be the case, especially in a home environment. It’s a game late in the year, and the Carolina offense should have gotten over any growing pains from introducing a new offense by then. Last year, the Gamecock crowd in Nashville saw Dakereon Joyner throw a touchdown pass. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to suggest he scores two on the ground this time around.