The No. 11 South Carolina football team is looking to advance to 3-0 for the first time under head coach Shane Beamer. In order to accomplish that goal, the Gamecocks must defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores who also come into the game undefeated.
The Daily Gamecock spoke with Henry Oelhafen, the sports editor for The Vanderbilt Hustler, to learn more about the upcoming contest. The two teams are set to kick off at 7:45 p.m. in Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network.
The Daily Gamecock: Vanderbilt is coming one of its best seasons in recent history, how have the Commodores taken that momentum from last season and built on it for 2025?
Oelhafen: “Last year's season was incredible. Obviously, Vanderbilt had three SEC wins over Kentucky, Auburn and also number one Alabama, which is really exciting ... So, definitely added a lot of momentum heading into this season. (Head coach) Clark Lea and his staff had a ton of success in the transfer portal, brought in some really good guys to sort of add a lot of depth to this team.”
“You look at this year so far what's happened, Vanderbilt obviously beat Virginia Tech last weekend and then Charleston Southern the weekend before. So, coming off two wins, the Virginia Tech win was very exciting ... Vanderbilt did a good job of protecting (graduate quarterback) Diego Pavia. The O-line created some big gaps for running backs, and they inevitably scored 34 unanswered points on Saturday.”
Diego Pavia is a name that most South Carolina fans will recognize on Saturday, what type of impact has Pavia had on Vanderbilt and in what ways has he grown from last season?
“It's been incredible. I think you see a complete turnaround with the program. Diego Pavia has brought swagger. He's brought a new toughness to this team. He really has impressed with his mobility and his arm talent ... Last season, particularly as the season wore on and against South Carolina last year, it was revealed this off season that Diego probably was playing sort of a partially torn hamstring. So, that definitely factored into his sort of mobility last year, but now obviously he's back to full health. Really able to maneuver around the pocket. And then he's shown his arm as well this season. (He) has been really good about hitting on deep throws, hitting on short throws. His stat line is never going to wow you, but it's his ability to orchestrate the offense, which is really pivotal to Vanderbilt's entire game plan.”
Who are some other players that could play an impact in Saturday's game?
“If you look at the receiver room, there are a lot of question marks going (into) whether that room could be explosive enough to compete against better opponents this year. But they added (junior wide receiver) Tre Richardson, who's been sort of really good for the first two games, he's a Division II transfer, so sort of really unknown in terms of in the transfer portal. But he had a great catch against Virginia Tech … it was a great catch down the sideline for a touchdown. So, he's definitely one to look out for, and he can really beat you with his speed.”
“Elsewhere on the field ... you look at (sophomore safety) CJ Heard in the safety room. CJ Heard is an FAU transfer. He was a freshman there last year, led the team in tackles at FAU. (He) is obviously set to make a big impact here in 2025 with Vanderbilt. So, it's very encouraging to see him take steps, and he definitely has the size and physicality, as well as the ball handling skills. So, get some picks in the secondary and make sure that he's an impact there.”
What does Vanderbilt have to do to win this game?
“It feels like it's been a while since Vanderbilt has beaten South Carolina, especially at Williams-Brice Stadium. So, I think the keys start with Diego Pavia. I think he's got to be mobile. He's got to rush for enough yards to really get the offense going, get the offense into rhythm. So, I think it starts with him. And sort of the defensive line, I think, If Vanderbilt can get pressure on (redshirt sophomore quarterback) LaNorris Sellers, that's going to be really key. Obviously, he's a very mobile quarterback, can hurt you with his arm as well. So, if they're able to get pressure on LaNorris Sellers and make sure that he stays pinned in the pocket, it could be a success for Vanderbilt.”
Is there anything you would like to note for the game?
“I'd say that Vanderbilt's offensive line is much improved this year as well. They got a lot of transfers in from the portal. (They) have done a really good job about adding a lot of depth to that position group. I think (graduate offensive lineman) Jordan White at center was really good against Virginia Tech. Really solid, was able to open a lot of running lanes for the Commodores running back room with (junior running back) Sedrick Alexander and (junior running back Makhilyn) MK Young. So, I'd look out for them to be a big impact piece as well.”
What is your final score prediction for Saturday’s contest?
“I think it's going to be a battle. I've never been one to doubt Diego Pavia, he's sort of a player that's been doubted his entire life. So why doubt him now? But I do think South Carolina is a very, very quality team this year, clearly a top-15 team as well. So, I think it's going to be a nail-biter. I think it's going to be a close one. But I inevitably see South Carolina taking the win, maybe 27-24.”