Vanderbilt Commodores vs South Carolina Gamecocks Picks and Predictions November 9th 2024

South Carolina Aims to Continue Dominance in Series vs. Vandy

South Carolina is set to hit the road, aiming to maintain its dominance against Vanderbilt in a Southeastern Conference showdown on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee. The Gamecocks (5-3, 3-3 SEC) are coming off a statement win and hope to continue their momentum as they face a Commodores team looking to turn the tide in their annual rivalry.

Gamecocks Riding High After Big Win

South Carolina enters this game riding a wave of confidence after a stunning 44-20 upset over then-No. 10 Texas A&M. The Gamecocks put on an offensive clinic, racking up 530 total yards. This was a crucial bounce-back victory for Shane Beamer’s squad, which now looks to secure bowl eligibility.

A key factor in that win was the versatility of quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound redshirt freshman showcased his dual-threat capabilities, running for a career-high 106 yards and a touchdown while also making strides as a passer. Sellers’ development adds a new dimension to South Carolina’s offense, which already features a star-studded backfield led by Raheim Sanders. The dynamic running back exploded for 236 total yards against Texas A&M, with 20 carries and five receptions.

The Gamecocks’ defense is also making waves, ranking 16th nationally in total defense by allowing just 304.6 yards per game. This unit is anchored by standout players like defensive ends Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart, linebacker Demetrius Knight, and defensive backs Nick Emmanwori and Jalon Kilgore. This group is proving adept at shutting down opposing offenses and will look to stifle Vanderbilt’s attack on Saturday.

Commodores Eyeing an End to Their Losing Streak

On the other side, Vanderbilt (6-3, 3-2 SEC) has been on an upward trajectory despite some offensive struggles. The Commodores secured bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018 with a gritty 17-7 win at Auburn last weekend. However, they now face a daunting task: snapping a 15-game losing streak against South Carolina.

Vanderbilt’s offense started the season on fire, scoring at least 27 points in its first five games. But the last four outings have seen a significant drop in offensive output, failing to surpass 24 points in any contest. Despite the offensive slowdown, the Commodores have managed to win three of those games, thanks largely to their disciplined style of play.

“They’re doing the things that teams have to do in order to win football games,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said about Vanderbilt. “I know they’re leading the league in time of possession, so they’re keeping the ball. They’re second in the SEC in turnover margin and leading the league in not turning it over.”

Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea acknowledges that the physical toll of the season is starting to show, especially on key players like quarterback Diego Pavia and running back Sedrick Alexander. As a result, the coaching staff has dialed back practice intensity to help the team recover.

“I thought our team played really hard in the game against Auburn,” Lea said. “The passion, the effort, all of it was there. But I also saw a team that you could just sense the lag effect of a really physical season.”

Key Matchups to Watch

The clash between South Carolina’s stout defense and Vanderbilt’s time-control offense will be crucial. The Gamecocks will need to contain Diego Pavia, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has been banged up in recent weeks. On the other hand, the Commodores must find a way to slow down LaNorris Sellers, who brings a dynamic rushing ability that complements his improved passing game.

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Additionally, keeping Raheim Sanders in check will be a tall order for Vanderbilt’s defense, which has struggled at times against explosive playmakers. If Sanders and Sellers can continue their strong play, the Gamecocks should have the upper hand.

What’s at Stake

For South Carolina, a win would bring them one step closer to securing bowl eligibility and continuing their dominance over Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks have owned this series, winning 15 straight matchups, and will look to extend that streak while solidifying their standing in the SEC.

For Vanderbilt, this game represents a chance to prove that their recent improvements are no fluke. Snapping the lengthy losing streak against South Carolina would not only be a morale booster but also strengthen their case for a strong finish to the season.

The stage is set for a high-stakes SEC clash with plenty on the line for both teams. Will South Carolina continue its dominance, or can Vanderbilt pull off an upset and change the narrative? All eyes will be on Nashville this Saturday to find out.