Rapid Reaction: Vandy shows improvement, falls to South Carolina
By Jason Hall
Published:
Vanderbilt made a valiant effort to compete against heavily favored South Carolina before falling 48-34 on Saturday in Nashville.
Here are a couple of thoughts on the game:
What it means: Vanderbilt has hope. The Commodores looked inept through their first nine quarters of the 2014 season, before finally finding a groove on offense. Vanderbilt held the momentum early in Saturday’s game, before starting quarterback Patton Robinette left in the first quarter with a concussion. Even with freshman Wade Freebeck in the lineup, the Commodores offense looked improved facing a team expected to win the SEC East entering the season. Moving forward, Vanderbilt should have less identity questions at the quarterback position and should see improvement from a disappointing start to the season.
What I liked: Vanderbilt showed fight. Even as the odds were against them, the Commodores “Anchored down” (pun intended) and showed tenacity against a heavily favored opponent. Robinette looks to be an efficient quarterback should he return. Vanderbilt’s rushing attack was also impressive with Ralph Webb rushing for 97 yards on 19 carries.
Who’s the man: Darrius Sims. The Vanderbilt kick returner totaled 217 yards and two touchdowns on four attempts. Sims kept the Commodores in the game with a 100-yard return in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 24-21. He even struck fear into South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, who made sure his special teams avoided kicking to him again at all costs.
Key play: Derek Mason’s decision to kick a field goal on the goal line. Had Vanderbilt converted on fourth down, momentum would have shifted in the Commodores favor and the outcome would have been vastly different. Dylan Thompson’s 7-yard pass to Nick Jones also played a major momentum shifter, putting South Carolina ahead 34-24 in the fourth.
What’s next: Vanderbilt will face Kentucky (2-1) next weekend in Lexington. The Wildcats are coming off a bye week, following a heartbreaking overtime loss to Florida in Gainesville
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
