Out to show its 2024 breakthrough was no fluke, Vanderbilt sent a statement of sorts last weekend.
The visiting Commodores outscored Virginia Tech 34-0 in the second half, turning a 10-point halftime deficit into a runaway 44-20 victory.
Now, that opportunity to make a statement ramps up as Vanderbilt — 2-0 for the fourth straight season — looks for its first 3-0 start since 2017 on Saturday in Columbia, S.C., against No. 11 South Carolina (2-0) in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
While the Gamecocks are on the top-10 fringe, their offense hasn’t fully clicked into place this season. They’ve been outgained in each of their first two games, a win over Virginia Tech in Atlanta and a rallying defeat of FCS opponent South Carolina State last week.
Two weeks into the season, South Carolina ranks 118th nationally and last in the SEC in total offense (290.5 yards per game), averaging 3.34 yards per carry and scoring just four offensive touchdowns.
“I wouldn’t say there’s one glaring issue (with the run game). It’s a host of things,” coach Shane Beamer said. “… We’ve been close. We haven’t been consistent enough.”
Given the slow start, Vanderbilt’s defense could challenge the Gamecocks if the Commodores are able to carry over their second-half form from last week’s road win.
After the Hokies tagged Vanderbilt for 227 yards and 20 points in the first half, the Commodores allowed just 21 yards of offense after halftime. Linebacker Nick Rinaldi was named co-SEC defensive player of the week after posting six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback hurry.
“Proud of the guys. We did what it took to win. I thought in the second half we played at a really high level,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “It feels good to celebrate this one, knowing that we’re going to have a really tough one again next weekend (at South Carolina).”
The Gamecocks’ saving grace so far has been its strong defensive and special teams play. With three punt-return touchdowns from Vicari Swain — already tying the program single-season record — and a fumble-return touchdown from Jaron Willis, they have as many defensive/special teams TDs as they do on offense through two games.
The South Carolina defense started the season with seven straight quarters without allowing a touchdown before SC State finally scored one in the fourth quarter.
Experienced Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia and an offense which has 463 rushing yards and six rushing TDs should be the toughest test to date for Beamer’s defense.
“(Pavia) is a stud. You watch his tape, I’ve got so much respect for him,” Beamer said. “He’s such a competitor.”
The Gamecocks are 30-4 all-time against Vanderbilt and have won the last 16 games in the series, last losing in 2008.
Vanderbilt has won just one of its last 20 games against ranked opponents, a 40-35 upset over No. 1 Alabama last season that snapped a 17-game losing streak to ranked foes.
That win paved the way to the Commodores’ first bowl appearance since 2018 and best record (7-6) since 2013.
