In-game predictions: South Carolina football vs. Vanderbilt
As South Carolina football stays home to take on Vanderbilt, GamecockCentral.com staffers predict some things that may happen on the field against the Commodores.
CHRIS CLARK: The lowest yardage total that South Carolina’s has surrendered this season is 323, which came in an early-season home game against Furman.
Vanderbilt has some quality skill players, but they also have some questions at quarterback. Can a Gamecocks defense that has struggled to finish plays consistently this season find a way to do it this week?
My prediction is that USC rebounds this week and holds the Commodores to a season-low in opposition yardage.
[$1 for unlimited access to GamecockCentral’s content and community]
WES MITCHELL: I’ve legitimately lost count of how many times I’ve called for the “LaNorris Sellers short yardage package,” but this week, I’m calling my shot (again).
There are only three games left in the regular season. If the NCAA approves a waiver again this year to allow players to play in a bowl without it affecting their redshirt status, then Sellers could play in the final three games and a potential bowl and maintain his redshirt status.
If the NCAA doesn’t go that route, and the Gamecocks win out, then the staff would likely need to make sure he was still available for the bowl. But for now, they’ve got three games to play with, and the Gamecocks will be without their Wildcat quarterback, Dakereon Joyner.
It’s time to debut the Sellers package. And I reserve the right to write the very same thing in this same space next week.
[Get breaking news from GamecockCentral]
KENDALL SMITH: I think South Carolina will actually give us a win on Saturday that we aren’t holding our breath for the whole time (please). They’ve got a little confidence heading into this week, and I see this offense rolling in this one.
So much so that I think the Gamecocks will score the most points they have all season… Stay tuned for my score prediction though!
MIKE UVA: After being way off on my prediction last week, I’m going be like that guy that just lost a bunch of money by putting it all on red on roulette and now I’m running to the ATM to try it again.
Heading into this weekend, Mario Anderson has only cracked the century mark on the ground once this season (Tennessee). Not only will Super Mario rush for over 100 yards against a Vanderbilt defense who is allowing the 18th most rushing yards per game in FBS, but he’ll run for over 130 yards.
It’s a feat that only one Gamecock has been able to achieve in South Carolina’s last 33 regular season games.
[Get the On3 app! Stay connected with GC!]
JACK VELTRI: This is going to be a wild take. I think LaNorris Sellers gets into the game this weekend and rushes for a touchdown. He’s been giving the Gamecock defense great looks in practice this week to prep for Vanderbilt.
So I think he’ll get rewarded and still preserve his redshirt at the same time. But that means this game will have to be a blow out.
