Staff Picks: South Carolina at Vanderbilt, other Week 11 matchups
After a magical night last Saturday, South Carolina is back on the road to continue its five-game stretch in November.
The Gamecocks will head to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday. Kickoff is at 4:15 p.m. on SEC Network.
The GamecockCentral and 107.5 The Game staffs shared their predictions for the game between the Gamecocks and Commodores as well as other Week 11 matchups from around the country.
George Bagwell: I think Diego Pavia might be a bit hobbled heading into this game. While electric at full health, if he's not 100%, the Gamecocks offensive line could have a field day in the backfield. Defensively, the Commodores are giving up more than one yard more per play (5.6 YPP) than the Gamecocks defense this year (4.5 YPP). I know Vanderbilt is actually good this year, but if South Carolina takes care of the ball (emphasis on that), they should win their 16th in a row against Vanderbilt. South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 13.
Peyton Butt: Despite Diego Pavia's hot streak, I think South Carolina's defense will pose a real challenge for him. And with Mazeo Bennett expected to make a return, I think LaNorris Sellers and the offense have been growing and learning in a positive direction and will shine in a small stadium like FirstBank. South Carolina 36, Vanderbilt 24.
Elijah Campbell: This isn't your father's Vanderbilt. Shoot, it's not even your grandfather's Vanderbilt because, dare I say it, they're a really solid football team. The Gamecocks are in a tough spot if they fall behind early because of Vanderbilt's ability to keep drives alive on third and short but I trust this Gamecocks defense to get them off the field and feel confident enough in Carolina's run game to take advantage of the field position given to them. South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 17.
Chris Clark: Vanderbilt is one of, if not the most, improved teams in the country. They're more talented than usual, experienced, and have a playmaker at quarterback in Diego Pavia. This will not be an easy one, but I think the Gamecocks' defense carries the day. South Carolina 27, Vanderbilt 17.
Terry Ford: This will be tight but the USC D will slow down Diego Pavia and the Gamecocks will find enough offense to eke out a close win in Nashville. South Carolina 24, Vanderbilt 22.
Griffin Goodwyn: South Carolina found itself in a similar position in 2022 following a field-storming victory over a top-10 opponent. Two years ago, the Gamecocks went on the road to Clemson one week later; this year, they are heading to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt. The Tigers were a higher quality team at the time (they were ranked No. 7 in the country at the time), and South Carolina was likely playing with a little extra fire against its in-state rival. But the Gamecocks still got the job done and defeated Clemson 31-30 in one of the most memorable games in the team's recent memory. Despite the challenges Diego Pavia will bring to South Carolina's defense, the Gamecocks are in a position to see history repeat itself — and it ultimately will. South Carolina 27, Vanderbilt 20.
Tyler Head: The Gamecocks are riding a huge wave of momentum off the A&M win. We saw a lot of positives on offense that hopefully is a sign of what's to come. If Sellers can take command like last week and the defense can hold serve against another slippery QB in Pavia, they can win. South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 20.
Wes Mitchell: South Carolina has typically played its best ball during this time of year under Shane Beamer and this team seems to be building momentum and confidence along with overall better play on offense. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is having a special season but the Commodores appear to be banged up and in need of next week's bye (contrasted with a pretty healthy Carolina team). It just feels to me like Gamecocks are putting it all together. South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 14.
Jay Philips: We're starting to see this Gamecocks team play at a consistently higher level as the stretch run begins. The last two wins – by a combined 50 points – have shown just how dominant this defense is, while also giving the offense a chance to grow under Dowell Loggains and LaNorris Sellers. Now it's back on the road to one of the biggest surprises in all of college football this season, the Vanderbilt Commodores. Diego Pavia has become the heart and soul of the team, and HC Clark Lea has instilled a discipline and belief that has gotten them bowl-eligible with three games to play. Follow the path of the last two games and this one is Carolina's, but allowing Vandy to hang around because of errors and penalties could spell disaster. South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 20.
Kendall Smith: Gamecocks are on a roll and playing the best they have all season. I think after last week LaNorris has really found his groove, and allllllll of that confidence is coming in straight to Nashville. Sorry Vandy, I know you've had a great season so far and it's been fun to watch, but I don't think the Gamecocks are going to give this one up. Wes Mitchell will be there too, so he can party on Broadway after! South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 18.
Mike Uva: I understand why there's probably a good portion of this fanbase (including some of the players and former players that I've spoken with) who are irritated that South Carolina isn't ranked. But ultimately, who cares? Why? Use that as a chip on your shoulder knowing that if you win this weekend, you'll be ranked next week. I expect the Gamecocks to come out and play some inspired football against a stingy Vandy squad who isn't the doormat of the conference anymore. Last week, I wanted to see South Carolina's offense step up. Not only did they do that but they delivered times 10x... and then some. While I'm hesitant to believe that USC's offense can replicate what they did last week, they've proved me wrong before and for that I'm picking the Gamecocks to. South Carolina 27, Vanderbilt 17.
Jack Veltri: Vanderbilt is a drastically improved team. This is the best story in college football this year. So, it's not going to be a cakewalk to go into Nashville and come away with a win. However, I have really liked what I've heard from South Carolina this week to not let a big win get into its head and stay away from the rat poison. Based on that and the fact this team plays significantly better in November, I like the Gamecocks. South Carolina 28, Vanderbilt 25.
Chris Wellbaum: This feels like such a trap game. Plus, the Gamecocks seem to do the opposite of what I pick, so I'm afraid to pick them to win. Consider this the picks column version of the lucky chair. Vanderbilt 21, South Carolina 20.
