SEC Kickoff: Everything you need to know about USC vs. Vanderbilt

Published August 30, 2012 - 8:35am

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Here’s everything you need to know about #9 South Carolina at Vanderbilt.

When: Thursday, August 30th
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN (Davis/Palmer/Pollack)
Current Line: South Carolina by 6.5

Game Buzz: South Carolina is 17-4 against Vanderbilt, with three straight wins. Vandy has never had back-to-back bowl seasons in existence, and a win here would not only give them much-needed momentum, but it would start off the 2012 season with a major upset.

#9 South Carolina Gamecocks

Players to watch:

RB Marcus Lattimore
QB Connor Shaw
WR Ace Sanders
DE Jadeveon Clowney
DE Devin Taylor
OL AJ Cann
SPUR DeVonte Holloman

Freshmen to watch:

WR Shaq Roland
TE Jerell Adams
RB Mike Davis

Keys For South Carolina:

Establish the running game with RBs Marcus Lattimore and Kenny Miles early
In addition to the running game, get QB Connor Shaw comfortable and confident early with short, quick passes
The main way to compensate for an inexperienced secondary is to unleash DEs Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor and get after the Vandy QB
Get a lead early and lean on the running game in the second half, namely Marcus Lattimore

One glaring weakness: Defensive secondary

Team Buzz: All is quiet in Columbia as the #9 ranked Gamecocks travel to Nashville to take on the Commodores. Marcus Lattimore is returning from a season-ending ACL injury, and he will tote the rock frequently in this football game. The evolution of Steve Spurrier’s offense is a fascinating thing to watch. He’s stayed prideful and quirky, while morphing his offense into a running game, as opposed to the air attack in which he once cut his teeth. Quarterback Connor Shaw looks to elevate his game, as some have claimed he’s a significantly underrated player in the SEC. South Carolina’s weakness on defense is in the secondary with only one returning starter, but the defensive line is more than equipped to dominate in the backfield, which will buy the young secondary some valuable experience.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Players to watch:

RB Zac Stacy
QB Jordan Rodgers
WR Jordan Matthews
WR Chris Boyd
DT Rob Lohr
LB Archibald Barnes
CB Trey Wilson

Freshmen to watch:

RB Brian Kimbrow
DE Caleb Azubike

Keys For Vanderbilt

Ride the wave of momentum James Franklin has provided in his short tenure building the Vanderbilt brand
Control the clock by playing keep away with RBs Zac Stacy and Warren Norman and QB Jordan Rodgers
Create at least one turnover and turn it into points
Resist an early Gamecocks surge and find a way to win the football game in the fourth quarter

One glaring weakness: Offensive line depth

Team Buzz: Vanderbilt has a buzz around their program right now, created by none other than head coach James Franklin. Many have circled this game as a possible upset, but the Dores will have to grind it out with a very tough running game. The Commodores very much surprised teams last year, but I’m not so sure how many teams they will sneak up on this year. The offensive line has depth issues, and the defense has to replace several key players who were game-changers last season. Vanderbilt will try and prove they belong in the East division championship discussion.

Tremendous amount of respect 4 Coach Spurrier,his SC FB team & all of the SC fans traveling 2 Nashvegas. Be safe & enjoy ur time in our city

— James Franklin (@jamesfranklinvu) August 26, 2012