Game 9 Preview: Scouting the Vanderbilt Commodores

After an upset win over then-No. 10 Texas A&M last weekend, South Carolina has some momentum in its sails.

The Gamecocks are coming off the biggest high of an overall up-and-down 2024 season. With a win on Saturday, South Carolina would be bowl eligible just nine games into the year. Standing in the way, though, is a Vanderbilt squad that has proven to be much more formidable this season than in years past.

Before the game kicks off at 4:15 p.m. on the SEC Network, here’s what the Commodores brings to the table.

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How they got here

Vanderbilt has long been considered an afterthought in the SEC. Heading into this season, the Commodores had finished last in the SEC East division five years in a row. The team was also projected to finish at the bottom of the newly-christened 16-team SEC, according to the conference’s preseason media poll.

Through nine contests, Vanderbilt has proven to be the exact opposite of a “bottom of the barrel” team. The Commodores are 6-3 overall and 3-2 in SEC play.

Vanderbilt’s most significant claim to its name is an upset win over Alabama on Oct. 5. The Crimson Tide were the No. 1 team in the country at the time, having beaten Georgia the week before. But the Commodores emerged victorious by a 40-35 score.

Vanderbilt has nearly come up with upset victories over two other top-10 teams this season. The Commodores and then-No. 7 Missouri waged a double-overtime battle during Week 4, but the Tigers won 30-27. Vanderbilt was also one onside kick away from potentially upsetting No. 5 two weeks ago. But the Commodores’ 36-32 defeat to Georgia State earlier in the year is the most glaring blemish on an overall strong resume.

Last time out

South Carolina and Vanderbilt’s all-time series has been extremely one-sided over the past decade and a half. In fact, the Gamecocks are on a 15-game winning streak over the Commodores.

The two teams met last season while South Carolina was in the midst of a late “November to remember” run. That matchup, which ended as a 47-6 Gamecocks win, is the most lopsided victory in the team’s all-time series.

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South Carolina kicked off the game with an unorthodox defensive touchdown – a one-yard touchdown pass from Spencer Rattler to Alex Huntley. Rattler went on to complete 28 of 36 passes for 351 yards, three touchdowns and one interceptions.

The Gamecocks had both a 100-yard runner and receiver in the contest, too. Xavier Legette led all South Carolina wideouts with 120 receiving yards on nine receptions, while Mario Anderson logged 102 rushing yards and one touchdown on nine carries.

Where they sit in the rankings

Vanderbilt ranked in both the AP and USA Today Coaches polls. The Commodores are currently No. 24 in the AP poll, the same spot it occupied last week, after receiving 130 votes. The USA Today Coaches poll also pegged Vanderbilt as the No. 25 team in the country with 85 votes. The Commodores, however, were not ranked by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee in its most recent rankings.

ESPN’s College Football Power Index (FPI) ranks Vanderbilt No. 33 with a 7.9 FPI. Its projected record is 6.9-5.1. The team has a 0.3 percent chance of winning the SEC and a 1.1 percent chance of making the College Football Playoff this season.

In ESPN’s SP+ rankings, the Commodores check in at No. 56.

Vanderbilt sits 39th in the Massey Ratings. It ranks 50th in offense and 61st in defense.

ESPN gives the Commodores a 41.3 percent chance to win this weekend. Vanderbilt heads into the contest as 4.5-point underdogs, according to ESPN BET.

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Players to watch

Diego Pavia (Graduate student, quarterback) – Pavia’s success has been synonymous with Vanderbilt as a whole this year. A two-time transfer heading into this season, Pavia has played a pivotal role in transforming the Commodores’ offense as a dual-threat weapon. As a passer, he has completed 127 of 205 attempts for 1,677 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. He is also currently Vanderbilt’s leading rusher, having gained 563 yards and scored four more touchdowns on 146 carries.

Eli Stowers (Graduate student, tight end) – The primary benefactor to Pavia’s success in the passing game, Stowers has logged a solid season as the Commodores’ leading pass-catcher. He has caught 38 passes for 516 yards, scoring four touchdowns in the process. Stowers was also familiar with Pavia’s game before stepping foot on Vanderbilt’s campus, as the two played together at New Mexico State last season. Before that, Stowers played two years of college football at Texas A&M.

Randon Fontenette (Sophomore linebacker/defensive back) – The Commodores have seen positive contributions from transfers on defense, too. Fontenette, a former member of TCU’s football team, has been a difference-maker as a hybrid linebacker-defensive back. He is currently tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (seven) and has logged an additional 3.5 sacks, one interception, seven pass breakups, and 47 tackles.

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Path to victory

Winning road games against SEC teams, no matter the opponent, is almost always a difficult task. And the is year, Vanderbilt has turned FirstBank Stadium, its home venue, into a fortress. The Commodores have logged wins against Virginia Tech, Alcorn State, Alabama and Ball State at home this season, with their only loss coming against Texas.

Blocking out the noise from a potential raucous Vanderbilt crowd will be one key to success for the Gamecocks. But as far as on-field play is concerned, South Carolina’s main priority will be shutting down Pavia.

Pavia has shown on multiple occasions this season that he can make game-changing plays with both his arms and legs. When the Commodores picked up a 17-7 win over Auburn this past week, he kept Vanderbilt’s offense in the game, despite not having a big day passing. Pavia’s ability to switch to different strengths within his game when another is what makes him so dangerous. Thus, as always, South Carolina must minimize explosive plays and be strong with its tackling.

On the offensive side of the football, LaNorris Sellers‘ ability to affect the game in the air and on the ground will be equally important. Vanderbilt ranks in the middle of the SEC’s pack in terms of pass and run defense. The Commodores are eighth in the conference in rushing yards (111.8) and 11th in passing yards (225.9) allowed per game.

So long as Sellers, Rocket Sanders, Joshua Simon, and other offensive players up and down the roster are firing on all cylinders, a third SEC road win could be in order for the Gamecocks.

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