A couple of desperate teams will meet in Nashville on Saturday when 0-2 Vanderbilt plays host to 0-2 South Carolina. Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said his team is looking to be assertive, especially on offense, to get the victory.

Mason said a response is needed now to change the trajectory of the season and get a win.

Vanderbilt needs an upgrade in the passing game as its leading receiver through two games is Cam Johnson with five catches for just 84 yards. The Commodores are last in the SEC in passing offense, as their 131.5 yards per game is 63.5 behind Kentucky, the next closest team.

“We’re actively looking at pushing the envelope offensively because we need production in the pass game,” Mason said at his press conference on Tuesday. “We need the win. Just like South Carolina does. So the opportunity is great. The ability to focus, execute, follow the process, be detailed with a plan and make sure that we’re intentional with how we work together. That’s what the forward focus is about. We understand where we’ve been, but you’ve got to pay it forward.”

The Gamecocks have won 11 straight in the series, including last year 24-7 in Columbia.

“We’re going to have our hands full, they’re a physical team,” Mason said. “Will Muschamp coaches a physical brand of football.”