South Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Vanderbilt

Here we discuss takeaways from South Carolina football’s victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores, securing the Gamecocks’ first win of the season.

The South Carolina Gamecocks traveled to Nashville to face the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday afternoon. Both teams entered the game 0-2 and the Gamecocks were heavily favored to win their 12th in a row against Vanderbilt.

The Gamecocks solidly handled the Commodores and secured their first victory of the season, 41-7.

Let’s go over the biggest takeaways from South Carolina’s big win over Vanderbilt.

3. Offensive lines decided the game

The Commodores came into this game ranking last in the SEC for passing yards and points per game and Saturday’s game showed why. At the end of the first half, South Carolina’s quarterback, Collin Hill, had recorded 129 passing yards while the Vanderbilt team had only posted 122 yards total.

The Gamecocks also owned the Commodores in total yardage for the game, recording 479 yards compared to Vanderbilt’s 249. Football games can’t be won without offense and Vanderbilt can’t seem to get their footing with their young and injured offensive line.

The Gamecocks showed improvement this week on their offensive line, especially since Shi Smith was targeted by the Commodore’s defense in almost every play. Hill recorded two rushing touchdowns, Kevin Harris posted an 88-yard touchdown and Dakereon Joyner took the ball 47 yards for the last touchdown of the game.