South Bound & Down
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Best SEC In-Conference Games 2016: Number 10, South Carolina at Vanderbilt

By Justin Melton

Nov 14, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) passes against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) passes against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina Offense vs. Vanderbilt Defense:

Oct 31, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) runs with the ball on a keeper during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Perry Orth may not have a job by the time this game rolls around. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season South Carolina’s offense was almost as bad as its defense. They averaged only 362 yards per game. Of which slightly more than half came through the air. Quarterback Perry Orth returns, but his favorite weapon, Pharoh Cooper, has moved on to greener pastures.

Vanderbilt’s defense last season was a remarkable unit. They had no real star players, apart from Zach Cunningham, but managed to finish 25th in the country in total defense. This is due in large part to the defensive scheme of Head Coach Derek Mason, who took over direct control of the defense last season.

This season the Vanderbilt defense should be nasty again. They have good depth in the secondary and Cunningham remains the rock at inside linebacker. Carolina’s offense, meanwhile, could get worse before it gets better. Perry Orth may lose his job to a true freshman, Pharoh Cooper is in the NFL, and Brandon Wilds is as well.

Advantage: Vanderbilt

Next: Special Teams and Coaching

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