Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
After a huge week one win against the North Carolina Tar Heels, the South Carolina Gamecocks lost in a tough week two battle against SEC foe, the Georgia Bulldogs. Jadeveon Clowney has been under the most scrutiny of any player, besides Johnny Manziel, in college football for his lack of production in the first two weeks.
On the other side of the field, the Vanderbilt Commodores are entering the week three matchup with the Gamecocks with a 1-1 record. The Commodores lost to a solid Ole Miss squad in week one in a close game and then tore apart Austin Peay, like they should have, in week two. This team poses a serious threat to the Gamecocks at home.
South Carolina is hoping that senior quarterback Connor Shaw can be the guy that lifts this offense from mediocrity. Shaw has passed for 377 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another 118 yards on the 2013 season. Running back Mike Davis is another guy that head coach Steve Spurrier is hoping can answer the questions on offense and he has so far this season with 28 carries for 264 yards and two touchdowns.
Vanderbilt has a solid offense all-around this season. Led by quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels, the Commodores are 1-1 and could easily be 2-0 with a top-tier passing attack. Carta-Samuels has 523 passing yards and three touchdowns through his first two games of the season. He is being helped out in the pass game by senior wide out Jordan Matthews who has 16 catches for 289 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Commodores allowed over 400 yards to a tough Ole Miss team while allowing just 139 yards to a cupcake in Austin Peay. It will be interesting to see how they play against South Carolina’s offense. The Gamecocks allowed just 293 yards to a potent North Carolina offense while allowing 538 to Georgia. Jadeveon Clowney will need to be the man everyone hoped he would be if this team wants a chance at a title.
Vanderbilt will travel to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Sept. 14. The game will be aired on ESPN.
PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 13, South Carolina 34
Related: South Carolina Preview
Vanderbilt With Much Needed Win
Frustration for Jadeveon Clowney Mounts
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
