2-Minute Drill: Final thoughts before South Carolina kicks off against Vanderbilt
Before South Carolina takes on Vanderbilt this afternoon, here’s a few updates on today’s game plus a reminder what the keys are for the Gamecocks. Watch the video below.
INJURY REPORT:
– OL Trai Jones (OUT)
– Cason Henry (OUT)
– Dakereon Joyner (OUT)
– Juice Wells (OUT)
– Trey Knox (ACTIVE)
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1- Force Turnovers
After forcing four takeaways last week against Jacksonville State, and their first since Sep. 30, South Carolina’s defense will look to keep things rolling against Vanderbilt. Heading into this weekend’s game, Vandy has turned the ball over 17 times. That’s tied for the 15th most by any team in FBS.
It’s not just the fact of helping USC’s defense get off the field. A defense who last week faced 90 snaps and have faced 70-80+ in multiple weeks this year. But it’s also about creating ‘sudden change’ situations by giving the ball immediately back to the offense. That momentum last weekend was certainly felt by not just the fans but the offense as well. Including Stone Blanton’s pick six, three of USC’s takeaways led to points on the ensuing drive by the Gamecocks. The one that didn’t led to two kneel downs to end the game.
2- Protect the Ball
As sloppy as Vanderbilt has been with the football this season on offense, defensively, they’ve been one of the best at forcing turnovers. Tied for second in the SEC in takeaways, the Commodores have forced 14 turnovers (11 interceptions, three fumble recoveries). USC has turned the ball over just ten times this season, with the majority of those turnovers coming in desperation mode late in games.
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Against an opportunistic defense, the last thing South Carolina can afford to do is turn the ball over. The Gamecocks have dominated this series, including winning the last 15 meetings. But in those 15 meetings, five of those games have been decided by one possession. All it takes sometimes is a boneheaded turnover to have that streak come to an end.
3- Look clean on special teams
I’ve said it before but when it comes to South Carolina special teams, we hold them to a higher standard because of what they’ve done in the past two years. For the past two weeks, USC’s punt team has been called for kick catch interference. On top of that, they missed on at least two chances to blocks punts and they’ve had some key opportunities to down the ball inside the ten yard line.
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For as much flak as Kai Kroeger has received this year, and some of it rightfully so, USC still ranks 32nd in Net punting (40.51). That number should be higher, and quite frankly they should be in the top-ten. But a couple missed opportunities, including some dumb penalties, have the Gamecocks where they are as of today.
Speaking of NET punting, Vandy ranks No.1 in the country in that category. Ironically, Vanderbilt has three coaches on their staff who once upon a time worked under USC special teams coordinator Pete Lembo. That includes Commodores special teams coordinator Justin Lustig.
