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South Carolina at Vandy: 3 Things Recap

By Justin Melton

Oct 31, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp speaks to an official during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp speaks to an official during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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We gave you three key things to focus on during South Carolina’s game against Vanderbilt. Now we will recap how those things played out and how it affected the game. Off we go.

1. South Carolina’s Quarterback Battle

Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) passes during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) passes during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Going into the game, the plan was for Will Muschamp to play both Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain. The goal was to see who would perform best in an actual game, rather than just practice. The winner seemed clear to me. Perry Orth completed 11 of 19 passes 152 yards. McIlwain completed five of 11 for just 35 yards.

It seems to me like the battle is over. Perry Orth will be the guy for this season. McIlwain will probably see occasional snaps where he can use his running ability. Then, next season, an experienced McIlwain will be ready to take over full-time.

2. Who Steps Up in the Vanderbilt Receiving Corps?

The answer last night was nobody. The Vanderbilt passing game was an unmitigated disaster. Kyle Shurmur was eight for 22 for 73 yards. That’s a completion percentage of just 36 percent. I was high on Vanderbilt coming into the season. I thought they had a real shot at making a bowl game. But if their offense continues to play like it did tonight, it could be a long season in Nashville.

3. Who Wins the Line of Scrimmage

Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) is sacked by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Taylor Stallworth (90) during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. South Carolina won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) is sacked by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Taylor Stallworth (90) during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. South Carolina won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

The defenses won for most of the night. That’s one of the major reasons why the score was so low. However, South Carolina’s was the better of the offensive lines. They gave Perry Orth time to throw and opened some holes for A.J. Turner.

Kyle Shurmur, by contrast, had almost no time and Ralph Webb got his yards basically on his own. I still think it is a tragedy that he doesn’t play on a better team. Both offensive lines need to get better. But Vanderbilt’s needs to get a lot better.

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Conclusion

Thank you for reading. What were your takeaways from the game? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter. Check in next week to see which three things to watch for as the Commodores face off against Middle Tennessee State and the Gamecocks take on Mississippi State.

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