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Vandy stuns USC
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Vanderbilt QB Chris Nickson threw for a touchdown and ran for another and the Commodores finally beat a ranked opponent on its own field Thursday night, upsetting No. 24 South Carolina 24-17 in the SEC opener for both teams.
Vanderbilt (2-0) had made it a habit of knocking off SEC teams on the road with victories at Arkansas and Tennessee in 2005, an upset of then-No. 22 Georgia in 2006 and even pulled off the biggest victory in more than 70 years by downing then-No. 6 South Carolina last October.
But the Commodores hadn't upset a ranked team in Vanderbilt Stadium since Sept. 19, 1992, a 31-9 win over then-No. 25 Mississippi 31-9.
This win was very sweet for Vanderbilt, which lost its first 14 games against Steve Spurrier as he coached Duke, Florida and South Carolina. Now the Commodores have won two straight against the ol' ball coach.
South Carolina (1-1) had survived four interceptions in shutting out North Carolina State 34-0 last week. The Gamecocks couldn't escape their mistakes against Vanderbilt.
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Vandy is going to surprise a lot of teams this year if they are overlooked. I hate to see them play the Dawgs, I hope they don't overlook them. USC defense is FAST! I hope the Dawgs are ready for them.
In response to 2much4U:
I'm not an USC fan and even worst a UGA fan. But get real, the Dawgs should not have any problems with the game chickens! I've watch both of the game chickens games and they are not to impressive.
Vandy deserved to win.they had fewer mistakes.USC killed themselved in penalties alone.The USC offense looks horrible.The defense looks good.But, when the offense goes 3 & out on every possesion.The defense cannot continue to hold the oppeonent down after down w/ out getting winded & giving up points.the ole ball coach better get a quarterback that makes better decisions than beecher & smelley.he can't put garcia in, garcia might get mixed up & think he's playing baseball & start stealing..
I just had an idea! Maybe Steve Spurrier can use Tommy Bowden's phone to call some other coaches for feedback on how to improve?
In the 4th year under Spurrier, I expected a lot more than to be thinking about back to back losses to Vanderbilt. I don't care how much they have improved, they are still the worst team in the SEC. They don't even have an athletic department.
If this coach had any other name, fans would be calling for his head on a platter....like I am. But since he is the mighty Steve Spurrier.....I guess it will be better next year.
andsc29621 - don't be too fast to call Vandy the "worst team in the SEC". The USC Gamecocks might just earn that title before this season is over. It looks to be a long season ahead for the Gamecocks after losing one they surely had counted to be a W before this season began. 4 years of Spurrier, the greatest offensive genius ever (as proclaimed by USC fans), and this offense is all you've got? I agree with you. Spurrier is getting by on his name and reputation. How much longer can the USC fans accept this mediocrity (if that) from Spurrier?
Seems you all forget that he won the acc at Duke? Also, his first two years at USC were hindered by NCAA violation and/or rule infraction. They have been limited in there available scholarships, but that is about to change.
2much4U - how many more 6 and 6 seasons can you accept from Spurrier? Is that the best the great Spurrier can do at USC? Is that all the USC fans can expect?
USC--------Where all great coaches go to die!!!! How 'bout them Commodores!!!!!
Go ahead and continue to make fun at USC. You all know what is on the horizon, and you hate to see it coming. I know I do, I wish they were in a different division than my Dawgs. I don't want the tables turned on us again. Also, if klemson is so great, why did they let a division 2 school rack up over 400 yards offense on that super great defense y'all got? I guess what I read somewhere might be true, whos next, Lakeside! LOL ROTFLMAO
Clemson won, USC lost. The games are over for the weekend. Move on to more important things than football.
I think the title of this article is funny, "Vandy stuns USC". Yeah, it was a real big stunner that USC lost to Vandy. If the real USC lost to Vandy then that would be a stunner. Maybe when Clemson and USC meet this year we can watch a good competetive jv game. I think both of these supposed great coaches need to take a ride elsewhere.
in response to 2much4U
I have heard idiot Carolina fans making this comment for 9 years.....first Holtz and then Spurrier......just wait....you know what is coming.....
You're right...I know what is coming....
ANOTHER MEDIOCRE GAMECOCK FOOTBALL TEAM!!!
in response to 2much4U
You mention being hindered by scholarships......2 scholarships is not something that is going hinder your recruiting and building of a program.
He just hasn't got the job done.
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