Forgive me for being a little too excited by a Vanderbilt victory, but I like it when the smart guys actually win.
South Carolina came into last night's game ranked 24th, largely on the heels of playing on national television last week and running over a really bad N.C. State team. The Gamecocks defense is top notch, but I also think pollsters are quick to rank USC because the guy on the sideline wearing a visor and headsets.
Steve Spurrier gets far more attention than Bobby Johnson, but it's the latter who's been doing most of the inspiring coaching of late. Last year Vandy went down to Columbia and upset the then No. 6 team in the country. A lot of the Gamecocks playing did some talking after that loss, upset with the fact they'd lost to "really bad football team."
With revenge on their minds, South Carolina got pushed around a fair amount on the line of scrimmage, but mostly the game was lost with special teams and turnovers. Chris Smelley didn't match his second half performance last week, throwing two interceptions, but also tossed two touchdown passes and 233 yards.
However, the upset was mostly fueled by special teams. Vandy caught a break when a punt bounced off the heel of South Carolina's Addison Williams, setting up a game tying touchdown pass from Chris Nickson. The Commodores would add two more consecutive scores, thanks to a blocked field goal attempt and return into Gamecocks territory and then another missed field goal attempt later in the 4th.
South Carolina outgained the Commodores by 100-plus, but we know the advantage in SAT scores goes the Vandy by several hundred in the other direction. Nice to see them score a big win at home and start out 2-0.
Vanderbilt 24, South Carolina 17
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