Tyler ButlerBy Tyler Butler
South Carolina and Vanderbilt are set for an SEC showdown in Columbia, where oddsmakers expect a nail-biter. The Gamecocks enter as slight favorites with a projected score of 26-23 and a 61.4% chance to win, but Vanderbilt’s explosive offense led by quarterback Diego Pavia makes this far from a sure thing.
The Gamecocks have dominated the series, winning the last four meetings and outscoring the Commodores by 74 points in that span. Freshman QB LaNorris Sellers has been steady early, while wideout Nyck Harbor continues to flash game-breaking potential. On defense, Dylan Stewart and Fred Johnson headline a unit allowing just 10.5 points per game.
For Vanderbilt, Pavia has been sensational through two games, completing over 74% of his passes for 468 yards and five scores. Running backs Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young bring balance to the offense, while defensive back CJ Heard provides a spark on the other side of the ball.
With South Carolina’s defense facing its toughest test yet and Vanderbilt chasing a breakthrough SEC win, Saturday’s matchup has all the makings of a fourth-quarter finish at Williams-Brice Stadium.
