South Carolina Gamecocks (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
College Football Week 1
Date/Time: Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 8PM EST
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
TV: ESPN
By Loot, NCAA Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Point Spread: SOCAR +3/VAN -3
Over/Under Total: 42.5
On Thursday, September 1, the South Carolina Gamecocks come into Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores, as each of these teams kick off their 2016 campaign. Both of these SEC programs are looking to increase their profiles in 2016 after a combined 7 wins in 2015 where both teams were conference afterthoughts struggling through tough seasons. Will Muschamp takes over after the long Spurrier tenure and tries to revive a sagging Gamecocks team. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, looks to add some offense to an SEC-worthy defense so that they can make a push in 2016. It's a big game each team expects to win to signal an upturn. Who comes out ahead in this one?
The South Carolina offense hasn't exactly been a threat the past few seasons, either, bottoming out last season. Nothing against Muschamp as a coach, but after watching his handiwork with the Florida offense, it doesn't really inspire confidence that he will pump wind into the sails of the Gamecocks offense. The Gators offense was run into the ground to a large degree during Muschamp's tenure. Then again, he has shown a deep acumen on defense, so at least that's good. The QB situation is a bit muddled, with clarity not looking like it will be achieved until close to the opener. The most experienced is fifth-year senior Perry Orth, who saved his best for the end last season in a close loss to Clemson. Lorenzo Nunez also returns, with true freshman Brandon McIlwain—the likely heir-apparent. It should come down to Orth and McIlwain.
It'd be nice to see South Carolina revive the power-running game, but a stud needs to materialize. David Williams or freshman AJ Turner will look to get some work and will need to prove himself worthy in this role. The departures of WR Pharoh Cooper and tight end Jerrel Adams leave large voids. They should be in okay shape with Deebo Samuel and Matrick Belton. It really comes down to quarterback play, which has been an increasing sore spot for the team since Connor Shaw left. And though they weren't great last season up-front, losing two tackles and a guard leaves the O-line as another potential issue. With iffy play expected at quarterback and running back and Muschamp coming in, it's not easy to paint a rosy picture for the 2016 Gamecocks offense. Some athletes better surface in camp or during the season or this could get ugly again.
Only five starters return to a So Carolina defense that struggled in making an impact last season. And losing LB Skai Moore to injury will hurt. There is still some experience among the youngsters and a little more optimism that exists on offense. Again, this is Muschamp's forte and he should put at least a small dent into the 30.4 points allowed last season. Maybe the line can make a push, bolstered by ends Marquavious Lewis and Darius English. Guys like Jonathan Walton and TJ Holloman will have to make it work without Moore in the linebacking corps. Secondary could be a sticking point, with 2 starting safeties and corner needing to be replaced. Look for Juco transfer Jamarcus King and returning safety Jordan Diggs to form a strong foundation. With iffy depth, staying healthy will be key for this bunch. That line will need to be top-notch and apply a very robust pass-rush to take the heat off the untested youngsters in the back.
Vanderbilt was all defense and no offense in 2015. The general vibe is that the offense could spring to life in 2016, making Vandy an interesting team heading into the season. Still, a lot needs to line up right for the Commodores. The first thing is that QB Kyle Shurmur needs to make measurable gains from an uneven, but promising freshman season. He showed he was a sound field general who can be relied on, but now needs to show a little flair for the dramatic. Aiding in that cause is a good back in Ralph Webb, who went for 1152 yards on the ground and showed an ability to be a useful passing option. The receiving unit looks somewhat more-promising with Trent Sherfield, Caleb Scott, and with CJ Duncan back from injury. Also healthy again is Andrew Jelks, which should help an improved line that benefitted from the hard knocks of 2015. Look for them to offer Shurmur adequate protection, while helping spring loose Webb. The offense was a team liability in 2015. The opposite won't be the case this season, but look for gains to be made.
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The Vandy defense returns seven starters from a group that did pretty well considering how often they were hung out to dry by the offense. The line looks set with Jay Woods, Landon Stokes, Jonathan Wynn, and Adam Baker. Linebacking presents some playmaking ability with Zach Cunningham, though some youngsters will need to fill in some spots. Corners Tre Herndon and Torren McGaster with safeties Oren Burks, Arnold Tarpley, and Ryan White comprise a capable and experienced secondary. This group should be pretty good again this season and maybe even better with an offense carrying at least part of the load.
There are certainly bigger games on the board on opening week in college football, but this is a diamond-in-the-rough game with high stakes. The winner moves on with some promise, while the loser of this game would get 2016 off to a rotten note. Neither team is expecting to be great this season, but beating a low-end conference team is something both teams are expecting to be able to do this season and failing to do so would sting. I like Vandy at home.
Loot's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting on the Vanderbilt Commodores minus 3 points. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!
