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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Special Teams and Coaching:

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
Will Muschamp is similar to a buffalo in one way: I wouldn’t want to fight either of them. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season Vanderbilt’s Tommy Openshaw handled both kicking and punting duties. He did alright at punting, averaging 41 yards per punt, but only hit 12 of 19 field goal attempts.

South Carolina’s specialists fared slightly better. Punter Sean Kelly averaged 44 yards per kick, while kicker Elliot Fry connected on 20 of 28 field goals. Both are returning this season, as is Openshaw. South Carolina will have the edge there. South Carolina also has a better kick returner in Rashad Fenton, who averaged 26 yards per return.

Coaching, however is pretty much a push. Both Will Muschamp and Derek Mason are proven defensive masterminds, but their head coaching abilities are still very much in doubt.

Advantage: South Carolina

Next: Prediction and Conclusion

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