Three Key Matchups: Vanderbilt- South Carolina

Three key matchups to watch for when the Commodores face SOuth Carolina this afternoon.
Three Key Matchups: Vanderbilt- South Carolina
Three Key Matchups: Vanderbilt- South Carolina /

It's a must win situation later this afternoon when the Vanderbilt Commodores and South Carolina Gamecocks meet inside WIlliams-Brice Stadium with both teams needing a win to keep their fleeting bowl hopes alive.

Currently 3-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play, the Gamecocks are in the midst of a two game skid having dropped a heartbreaker to Florida before being blown out last week in the second half at Tennessee.

While Vanderbilt is coming off a bye week and an upset win over Missouri two weeks ago, the Commodores are 2-5, 1-3 in conference play and currently one game behind Carolina for last place in the eastern division. 

Considering those records, one can see where this is a must win matchup for both teams. 

Here are three key matchups we think re woth watching when these two meet tonight. 

1) Tavien Feaster vs Commodores Defense: A Clemson transfer, Feaster is the leading rusher for the Gamecocks, averaging 5.4 yards per carry on the season.  He has carried the football 101 times while recording another 11 touches as a receiver for 641 yards in total offense, good enough to lead the team.

We've seen the Commodores defense struggle against the run before this season and it would seem logical to think Carolina might want to run the football with Feaster to try to take some of the pressure off freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski. 

Stopping Feaster and a Gamecocks offense that is averagin 182. 0 yards per game on the ground should be a top priority. 

2) Bryan Edwards vs Commodores Secondary: Edwards leads the way in receiving for Carolina, grabbing 48 receptions for 587 yards and 4 touchdowns.      

Edwards is the security blanket for Hilinski and will be a matchup problem for the Commodores with his size (6'3" 215) and athleticism. 

The Commodores secondary looked good in their win over Missouri, but how they handle Edwards in this one is key. 

3) Vandy O-Line vs Carolina D-line: The Commodores are catching a major break here with the injury to perhaps the Gamecocks best defensive lineman, Javon Kinlaw who is likely out with an undisclosed injury. 

A disruptive force, the 6'6" 310 Kinlaw is an anchor inside for the Gamecocks. His absence should make it at least somewhat easier for the Commodores to run in the middle. 

Even without Kinlaw, Carolina is still solid up front, but losing a potential all-conference performer hurts. 

How the Commodores handle the Carolina front seven will in my estimation be the key to determine who will walk away with this must win game and keep their bowl hopes alive for another week.       


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Greg Arias
GREG ARIAS

A 29 year veteran of radio in the Middle Tennessee area and 16 years in digital and internet media having covered the Tennessee Titans for Scout Media and TitanInsider.com before joining the Sports Illustrated family of networks.