SC vs. Vandy: What will happen?

[TrueGCFan]

SC is 3-3. Vandy is 4-3. What will happen this week? I say we roll to an easy victory. Vandy will hang around for the first two quarters, but then we set it up and Rice sets a USC record by catching a TD is his six straight game. Final score Vandy 17 USC 34.

[Spurrierismyhomeboy]

CFN said 30-17 I agree!!!!!

[Jordan]

I still think Vandy's got this one in the bag, although SC will put up a good fight right till the end. The key difference being QB. SC isn't bad in that area, but nobody there can compare to Cutler. I say Vandy wins SC and UK to go bowling this year...

[GTmorris1970]

I think we are finally going to see Carolina play a complete game on both sides of the ball. I think Syvelle will be used everywhere, and give Vandy fits. I think it will be a good game, but I think Carolina knows they have to win and will.

[Jordan]

but I think Carolina knows they have to win and will.

But Vandy knows that as well. Spurrier's a good coach, and will likely get some good talent to SC in the coming years. This is one of those rare once in a couple decades things at Vandy, where they actually have a shot at having a 6-5 season and going to a bowl. With UK being the only "easy" team left on their schedule this year, this is almost a do or die situation for their hopes of going bowling. To me, they are the ones that have to win. It should be a good, fairly evenly matched game...

[SPURED]

It should be a good, fairly evenly matched game...
that is what sucks. We are supposedly even matched with Vandy :eek:

[rabidcock]

that is what sucks. We are supposedly even matched with Vandy :eek:

Well....we're DOWN a bit, and they're UP a bit.....it didn't take much. We already know they're not as UP as previously thought. Maybe...just maybe...we're not as DOWN.

[Saturday.........................we get to find out.]

[GamecockDieHard]

"but nobody there can compare to Cutler." ??
Granted, Cutler has thrown more passes, but his efficiency rating is about 9th in the SEC, Blake is 2nd. He has less TD's for all that throwing and less Avg/G. Blake has the highest Pct completions AND we've got Rice and Newton to throw to and Cutler has Ko to throw to.

You may be right and Vandy may win. But if they do, it'll have less to
do with Cutler's arm, and more to do with his legs and their running game.
IMO

PASSING AVG/GAME Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Avg/G
------------------------------------------------------------------
1. D.J. Shockley....... UG SR 6 154 89 4 57.8 1464 11 244.0
2. Blake Mitchell...... SC SO 5 143 94 4 65.7 1193 9 238.6
3. Jay Cutler.......... VU SR 7 266 152 6 57.1 1663 8 237.6
4. Brandon Cox......... AU SO 5 136 86 6 63.2 1163 9 232.6
5. Chris Leak.......... UF JR 7 214 126 4 58.9 1575 10 225.0
6. Brodie Croyle....... UA SR 6 163 98 2 60.1 1345 9 224.2
7. JaMarcus Russel..... LS SO 5 134 85 4 63.4 1108 7 221.6
8. Micheal Spurlock.... UM SR 6 171 92 5 53.8 1188 4 198.0
9. Rick Clausen........ UT SR 5 132 79 3 59.8 929 3 185.8
10.Andre' Woodson...... UK SO 5 109 64 4 58.7 792 5 158.4

PASS EFFICIENCY G Att Cmp Pct Int Yds TD Effic
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. Georgia............. 6 169 98 .580 4 1586 11 153.6
2. South Carolina...... 6 178 118 .663 4 1426 11 149.5
3. Auburn.............. 6 166 102 .614 6 1394 12 148.6
4. Alabama............. 6 166 101 .608 2 1386 10 148.4
5. LSU................. 5 139 88 .633 4 1145 7 143.4
6. Florida............. 7 225 132 .587 5 1656 10 130.7
7. Kentucky............ 5 118 70 .593 4 842 5 126.5
8. Mississippi State... 6 157 83 .529 5 979 8 115.7
9. Vanderbilt.......... 7 270 153 .567 6 1676 8 114.1
10.Tennessee........... 5 195 105 .538 6 1187 5 107.3
11.Ole Miss............ 6 196 101 .515 9 1267 4 103.4
12.Arkansas............ 6 156 82 .526 7 815 6 100.2

[WayzUp]

But Vandy knows that as well. Spurrier's a good coach, and will likely get some good talent to SC in the coming years. This is one of those rare once in a couple decades things at Vandy, where they actually have a shot at having a 6-5 season and going to a bowl. With UK being the only "easy" team left on their schedule this year, this is almost a do or die situation for their hopes of going bowling. To me, they are the ones that have to win. It should be a good, fairly evenly matched game...
You don't think USC has to win to go bowling themselves? Both teams are going to go into this game knowing it's a must-win situation if they have any hopes of playing a 12th game. That, to me, isn't the issue....the issue is the same as it has been all year for us. We need to establish a semblence of a running game so as to open the play-action passing game.

With Newton & Turman, I think we'll put out our best effort on the ground and that should be the deciding factor. I'm not as concerned with Cutler as I am with our inability to keep from going 3-and-out more often than not.

[rabidcock]

We need to establish a semblance of a running game.

Yep. Wouldn't THAT solve a bevy of problems! I've said the same in about six posts. If we could average, say, 125 yards per game, that would not only open up the play-action, but allow for a multitude of other offensive options.

[By the way, I've heard conflicting reports. Does the game start at 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.?]

[uscrules]

The game is at 3:30 PM and it is a Pay-for-view game. I like Carolina to win this game by 2 touchdowns. I don't think Vandy has the defence to stop Blake and our recievers. As in the game at Georgia, they will lose it late.

[rabidcock]

The game is at 3:30 PM and it is a Pay-for-view game.

Thanks. I'm gonna do the pay-for-view thing, too.....but I'll be at Williams-Brice :D

I also think the Cocks will win late. I hope we can have success against their rush (140+/ game); I think we will.

[TrueGCFan]

The only way I see USC losing is if we give the game to Vandy with stupid turnovers. The Ol' Ball Coach said on Wednesday the team was looking the best they have all year in practice. They want this game and will win. I still thing we'll win easily.

[Jordan]

You don't think USC has to win to go bowling themselves? Both teams are going to go into this game knowing it's a must-win situation if they have any hopes of playing a 12th game. That, to me, isn't the issue....the issue is the same as it has been all year for us. We need to establish a semblence of a running game so as to open the play-action passing game.

With Newton & Turman, I think we'll put out our best effort on the ground and that should be the deciding factor. I'm not as concerned with Cutler as I am with our inability to keep from going 3-and-out more often than not.
I'm not saying that you don't have a shot at bowling... I'm just saying that for Vandy, it's even more important for them to win and go bowling. Sure, it'd be great for you guys if you get to go to a bowl. But you've got some good years to look forward to with a good coach that's going to bring in some talent, and you'll definitely be bowling regularly. For Vandy, this is one of those once in a couple decades moments. If these players don't get it done this game, then they can only hope that their kids can go on to Vandy in 20 years and be the ones to take the team to a bowl.... cause it just isn't that common around there. :)

[rabidcock]

...for Vandy, it's even more important for them to win and go bowling. For Vandy, this is one of those once in a couple decades moments.

Yeah guys, for goodness' sake...let's throw the game (but make it look good) so poor Vandy can go bowling. I mean...they may not get another chance for a while, and we owe it to them. :rolleyes:

[Jordan]

Yeah guys, for goodness' sake...let's throw the game (but make it look good) so poor Vandy can go bowling. I mean...they may not get another chance for a while, and we owe it to them. :rolleyes:
I don't think I ever implied that you should LET them win. There was a comment that someone made saying that SC will win because they know they have to win. I was just pointing out that Vandy is in the same boat, so that argument doesn't really work.

[rabidcock]

I don't think I ever implied that you should LET them win.

I was jus' funnin' with ya', Jordie. :D

[GamecockDieHard]

UCF: We struggled in the 2nd half trying to test freshmen RB's and fumbled a few times.
GA: Played them extremely well 'tweenxt the hedges. Could've gone either way.
'Bama: We never saw the Tide coming in. Mentally unprepared & didn't respect their talent. Overconfident from a close game with GA.
Troy: Win by 25. Mitchell goes down.
Auburn: A ship without a rudder in a hurricane has a better chance than a football team without a QB.
Kentucky: Mitchell's back. Much needed playmakers wake up.

Vanderbilt: Mitchell's almost 100%. Newton is the ghost of football futureand Vandy is Ebenezer. Mitchell has thrown to 5 or more targets and who does that leave to cover Rice? 2 on Rice means someone else is open. 1 on Rice....TD! I believe the Gamecocks will start their season on Saturday.

USC: 45
Vandy: 24

[rabidcock]

UCF: We struggled in the 2nd half trying to test freshmen RB's and fumbled a few times.
GA: Played them extremely well 'tweenxt the hedges. Could've gone either way.
'Bama: We never saw the Tide coming in. Mentally unprepared & didn't respect their talent. Overconfident from a close game with GA.
Troy: Win by 25. Mitchell goes down.
Auburn: A ship without a rudder in a hurricane has a better chance than a football team without a QB.
Kentucky: Mitchell's back. Much needed playmakers wake up.

Vanderbilt: Mitchell's almost 100%. Newton is the ghost of football futureand Vandy is Ebenezer. Mitchell has thrown to 5 or more targets and who does that leave to cover Rice? 2 on Rice means someone else is open. 1 on Rice....TD! I believe the Gamecocks will start their season on Saturday.

USC: 35
Vandy: 24

GDH, I think I love ya'. That was a damn fine (and hopeful) post and synopsis of the season. I can't give you rep now (spread it around), but I owe you. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this game. I'm doing the pay-for-view thing. (2 tickets on the 40-yard line :D ).

Losing this game would mean going 3-8 this year--I mean...we'd never recover. A win, however, may just give us the confidence needed to turn this season around. This year could be a very memorable one...do you not agree?

[rabidcock]

Mitchell has thrown to 5 or more targets and who does that leave to cover Rice? 2 on Rice means someone else is open. 1 on Rice....TD!

USC, I truly believe, has the most talented CORPS of receivers in the SEC. Double-teaming any one of them (Rice) would spell disaster (spelled t-o-u-c-h-d-o-w-n) for the opposing defense. Do you disagree?

[uscrules]

I don't think any team has an answer for Sidney Rice. One on one, he will win all day long. Now they have Syvelle to be concerned about at tailback. If the defense can make some stops, we will be okay.

[uscrebel]

Yeah guys, for goodness' sake...let's throw the game (but make it look good) so poor Vandy can go bowling. I mean...they may not get another chance for a while, and we owe it to them. :rolleyes:

Rabid...you just don't have a compassionate bone in your body, do you?

:D

[Dr. Pepper]

3:30. Pay per view TV only.

[GamecockDieHard]

GDH, I think I love ya'. That was a damn fine (and hopeful) post and synopsis of the season. I can't give you rep now (spread it around), but I owe you. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this game. I'm doing the pay-for-view thing. (2 tickets on the 40-yard line :D ).

Losing this game would mean going 3-8 this year--I mean...we'd never recover. A win, however, may just give us the confidence needed to turn this season around. This year could be a very memorable one...do you not agree?


Thanks RC! I was going to do the PPV, but it looks like you have to buy the Gameplan to get it on DirectTV. I'll be at the game. We park in TD Zone II across Key Road from the stadium. I can't wait.

I agree completely re: we win big = better confidence = who knows how we'll finish. TN, Fla, Ark, can all be beaten. I've already said I think we'll beat Flordia no matter what happens tomorrow. cLIMPson usually wins and is always too tough to HOMERize. ;)

[Jordan]

Thanks RC! I was going to do the PPV, but it looks like you have to buy the Gameplan to get it on DirectTV.

You can get a single week of Gameplan for $19.99 instead of having to buy a full subscription. But usually have to order it 2-3 days ahead of time for it to be activated in time. Handy for those couple of weeks in the season that you'd actually like to have Gameplan, but don't think you'd use it every week for the whole season.

[GTmorris1970]

Blake Mitchell is fully healed plus Vandy has the number 11 passing defense in the SEC plus we have Newton playing 3 positions equals we kick that arse. :p :D

[GamecockDieHard]

You can get a single week of Gameplan for $19.99 instead of having to buy a full subscription. But usually have to order it 2-3 days ahead of time for it to be activated in time. Handy for those couple of weeks in the season that you'd actually like to have Gameplan, but don't think you'd use it every week for the whole season.


Thanks Jordan.

I expect Arkansas to be on PPV. TN has already been picked up nationally. Florida will definitely get national attention. If we win 2 out of the next 3, I bet Clemson may get picked up as well. That's got to be some kind of record for numbers of nationally televised games for the Cocks in one season.

[Jordan]

Thanks Jordan.

I expect Arkansas to be on PPV. TN has already been picked up nationally. Florida will definitely get national attention. If we win 2 out of the next 3, I bet Clemson may get picked up as well. That's got to be some kind of record for numbers of nationally televised games for the Cocks in one season.
Just be sure to check out ESPN's website for their blackout schedule if you plan on ordering any week for a SC game. If it's on "local PPV", it might be blacked out on Gameplan for your area.

[GamecockDieHard]

UCF: We struggled in the 2nd half trying to test freshmen RB's and fumbled a few times.
GA: Played them extremely well 'tweenxt the hedges. Could've gone either way.
'Bama: We never saw the Tide coming in. Mentally unprepared & didn't respect their talent. Overconfident from a close game with GA.
Troy: Win by 25. Mitchell goes down.
Auburn: A ship without a rudder in a hurricane has a better chance than a football team without a QB.
Kentucky: Mitchell's back. Much needed playmakers wake up.

Vanderbilt: Mitchell's almost 100%. Newton is the ghost of football futureand Vandy is Ebenezer. Mitchell has thrown to 5 or more targets and who does that leave to cover Rice? 2 on Rice means someone else is open. 1 on Rice....TD! I believe the Gamecocks will start their season on Saturday.

USC: 45
Vandy: 24


I will eat my crow with a little salt and alot of humble pie. 2 out of 3 components in my analysis were enough to get the win, but Mitchell was the missing element that would have made my prediction a reality. Mitchell's inconsistency has reared it's ugly head and now no one knows how he will play on any given Saturday. With SN gone and Mitchell's performance as dependable as a high ankle sprain, we're in a serious position for the remaining season.

[rabidcock]

Mitchell's inconsistency has reared it's ugly head and now no one knows how he will play on any given Saturday.

Blake really did look...I won't say pathetic....perhaps...a (reverse) mirror- image of his other self, and his alter-ego self does not exactly exude confidence. That interception was a pathetic, wobbly, poorly thrown floater, seemingly thrown to no one other than the Vandy defender. Fortunately, he came alive on the last drive and seemed to focus, rather than showing that almost tentative QB we watched for most of the game. He had about a quarter or so of his 221 yards passing on that last drive. Let us hope that SOS can work his magic on Blake 'ere the rest of the season, for, without Syvelle, we need someone we can depend on for offensive consistency.

[GamecockDieHard]

Blake really did look...I won't say pathetic....perhaps...a (reverse) mirror- image of his other self, and his alter-ego self does not exactly exude confidence. That interception was a pathetic, wobbly, poorly thrown floater, seemingly thrown to no one other than the Vandy defender. Fortunately, he came alive on the last drive and seemed to focus, rather than showing that almost tentative QB we watched for most of the game. He had about a quarter or so of his 221 yards passing on that last drive. Let us hope that SOS can work his magic on Blake 'ere the rest of the season, for, without Syvelle, we need someone we can depend on for offensive consistency.


Yeah RC, we also have to hold our breath for any injury to BM. I shudder to think what cLIMPson would do to us with Hefner as our only QB. :eek: