Ahead of tonight's game against Vanderbilt, The Daily Gamecock's sports staff got in touch with Vanderbilt Hustler sports editor Robbie Weinstein to discuss the Gamecocks' first opponent.
The Daily Gamecock: Kyle Shurmur lost the starting quarterback job to Johnny McCrary during the 2015 season. What makes him the guy for the job now?
Robbie Weinstein: Although Shurmur never truly lost the starting job to McCrary (he suffered a concussion against Houston that forced him out of the Florida game, then returned to start the final three games), his stats left a lot to be desired. Backup QB Wade Freebeck hasn't been far off the pace leading into the season, so it's quite possible that he'll steal snaps from Shurmur at some point. The arguments in Shurmur's favor appear to be his pedigree as a highly rated recruit and his 2-2 SEC record as a starter, but he isn't a lock to take a big step forward this year.
TDG: Ralph Webb guaranteed a win over South Carolina during the summer. Considering he'll likely be the focus of the South Carolina defense, how do you expect him to lead the Commodores to victory?
RW: Webb should get his typical 25 or so carries, but it'll be hard for him to carry the offense to more than 20 points in any game this year without help from Shurmur. Against South Carolina, he'll need to show well in pass protection and provide an outlet for Shurmur in order to take pressure off the young QB. Webb will see time this year as a kick returner as well, and any help in terms of field position could be important in what looks to be a low-scoring game.
TDG: Vanderbilt struggled converting opportunities in the red zone last season. What do you expect from the Commodores near the goal line against South Carolina?
RW: Vandy brings back a pair of tight ends who missed most of last year in DeAndre Woods and Jalen Pinkney, and I'd expect both to be goal-line targets for Shurmur when VU opts to pass. Most of the time, however, I expect simple and predictable runs up the middle with Webb, Dallas Rivers and converted linebacker Khari Blasingame.
TDG: The running game is Vanderbilt's strong suit, but the South Carolina secondary is far weaker than the front seven. How do you expect that contrast to affect Derek Mason's gameplan?
RW: As much as Vanderbilt's coaching staff surely would like to try and stretch the field, the reality is the Dores haven't proved they have the deep threats or quarterback play to do so. Mason and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig will probably play it conservative with the hopes of avoiding turnovers, so I still expect them to mostly run the ball right at South Carolina's front seven. This strategy might only produce limited success, but they'll stick to it.
TDG: Fill in the blanks: Vanderbilt will win if __________________. Vanderbilt will lose if ____________________.
RW: Vanderbilt will win if it wins the turnover battle. Vanderbilt will lose if McCrary parachutes out of the sky and puts himself in the game, throwing three interceptions in the end zone to seal a Gamecocks victory.