The Associated Press
No. 14 SOUTH CAROLINA (2-1, 1-1 SEC) vs. VANDERBILT (1-2, 0-1 SEC), 7:30 p.m. EDT (SEC Network)
Line: South Carolina by 21½
Series Record: South Carolina 19-4
WHAT’S AT STAKE
South Carolina can start building momentum after squeaking by Georgia for a big win in the SEC East as the Gamecocks ease into the easier portion of their schedule. The Commodores are coming off their first win under first-year coach Derek Mason, but he’s playing 21 first-time starters and 31 combined freshmen — most in the nation.
KEY MATCHUP
Vanderbilt’s offense against South Carolina’s defense. The Commodores finally scored their first offensive touchdown in their win over Massachusetts, and South Carolina is one of the nation’s worst allowing 36.7 points and 513.7 yards per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
South Carolina: QB Dylan Thompson. The senior is 5-1 as a starter, and he has eight touchdown passes in three games averaging 301 yards passing per game.
Vanderbilt: QB Patton Robinette. He’s back as starter after being yanked in the opener and apparently healthy enough to come off the bench to lead the rally for a win over UMass from 11 points down in the fourth quarter. He was 15 of 21 for 147 yards and a TD and also ran six times for 35 yards and another score.
FACTS & FIGURES
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is looking for his 202nd win as an SEC coach, which would put him behind only Paul “Bear” Bryant for most wins in the SEC. Spurrier is 19-2 all-time against Vanderbilt. … This is the Gamecocks’ first road trip this season. … The Gamecocks have won five straight in this series. … Vanderbilt is playing its fourth straight game in Nashville. … Ralph Webb ran for a career-high 116 yards vs. UMass, the most by a Vanderbilt freshman since 2009. Webb ranks seventh in the SEC with 281 yards rushing.
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