Posted:
#1
Two years under HC Derek Mason, the defense improved significantly, and with 7 key players return this year the Commodores defense could be a top 10 unit. However the offense has been stuck in the mud. Five different QBs have started for Mason's in his two seasons at Vanderbilt. There is no positive sign this year even with 8 starters returning. A mediocre QB, Kyle Shurmur (43% completion for 503 yds, 5 TDs and 3 Int.,) will be a full time starting QB. He should have plenty of help with both
top RBs and top 4 WRs returning, though they must replace 3 OL starters.
Score: 15.2 ppg (#124)/Defense 21 ppg (#22)
Total 327 ypg/Defense 351 ypg
Rush 155 ypg/Defense 143 ypg Pass 172 ypg/Defense 207 ypg
Disaster struck the Gamecocks last year, losing a great coach and the team tanked badly. Incoming is Will Muschamp, a former Gators head coach. This was a curious hire to say the least. Coach Will Muschamp could not win with the Gators' A-talent, how could he win with the Gamecocks' C-talent playing the same opponents? Anyway football goes on.
Score: 21.9 ppg (#110)/Defense 27.5 ppg (#70)
Total 362 ypg /Defense 430 ypg
Rush 155 ypg/Defense 217 ypg Pass 208 ypg/Defense 212 ypg
The Gamecocks return only 11 starters, 5 on offense and 6 on defense. It certainly does not look promising for new coach Muschamp with so few key players return from a mediocre team.
Last year both offensive and defensive outputs were at its worst rating in nearly a decade. The incumbent QB Perry Orth (55%, 1929 yds, 12 TDs 9 Ints.,) returns but not sure he will be starting. The QB competition between QB Perry Orth and freshman Brandon McIlwain is continuing and won’t be settled until the opener. A good chance that both QBs might play in the season opener. On offense
there are virtually no proven weapons in the skill units. The top RB had only 299 yds, leading WR had only 12 catches, and the OL has to replace 3 starters.
A mediocre defense that was only decent at big-plays prevention must replace four of its top six linemen and top two safeties. Only the line-backing corp. is solid with all top 4 LBs return.
The Gamecocks will endure a horrible season this year while trying to find their identity. Coach Muschamp could build a solid foundation but it is a long and painful process.
This game could be one of the worst, boring game of the season. Just do not see the Gamecocks being able to score much on a good Commodores defense, and neither can Vanderbilt pedestrian offense to do great damage. Expecting a low scoring game with the edge on Commodores side.
Picks: Vandy -4/Under 42.5
0
Hot Forum Topics
