COLUMBIA — The preseason chatter about SEC soccer most likely didn't predict that Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina soccer could be such a talked about recreation.
The No. 25 Commodores (6-Three, Three-2 SEC) have overwhelmed Alabama, Auburn and Kentucky since being projected to complete final within the SEC this season.
The Gamecocks (5-Three, Three-Three), anticipated to complete 13th of 16, have overwhelmed Kentucky, Oklahoma and simply beat No. 11 Texas A&M 44-20. South Carolina misplaced to LSU and Alabama by a mixed 5 factors.
Saturday's recreation in Nashville (Four:15 p.m. ET, SEC Community) is an opportunity for South Carolina to qualify for a bowl recreation in opposition to Vanderbilt, which not too long ago certified for the primary time in 2018.
The Gamecocks lead the collection 29-Four.
Right here's what that you must know concerning the match:
Diego Pavia vs LaNorris Sellers Comparability
Switch quarterback Diego Pavia is a big purpose for the Commodores' success. He’s a cell quarterback who has recorded over 1,600 passing yards and 15 touchdowns along with 563 speeding yards.
South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White stated Pavia is similar to Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed, however not precisely the identical.
“Understanding who’s the principle piece of the puzzle … (Pavia) is a playmaker who can beat you along with his legs and arm … our guys perceive the problem,” White stated.
South Carolina LaNorris Sellers can also be a QB who can run, and White stated it's useful for his protection to have the ability to follow in opposition to Sellers in preparation.
Sellers
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Final recreation: 13 of 27 passing for 244 yards, two touchdowns, zero turnovers, 106 speeding yards on 15 carries vs. Texas A&M.
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This season: 101-of-167 passing for 1,212 yards, seven touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 25 sacks, 353 speeding yards on 99 carries.
Pavia
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Final recreation: 9 of 22 passing for 143 yards, two touchdowns, zero turnovers, 26 speeding yards on 12 carries vs. Auburn.
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This season: 127 of 205 passing for 1,667 yards, 15 touchdowns, three interceptions, 11 sacks, 563 speeding yards on 143 carries.
South Carolina soccer protection vs. Vanderbilt's offense
The Gamecocks protection is third within the nation with Three.88 sacks per recreation and permits the fifth fewest speeding yards per recreation (107.1) within the SEC. South Carolina is averaging probably the most tackles for loss and sacks per recreation than another opponent Vanderbilt has confronted this yr.
The Gamecocks didn't permit A&M to attain the complete second half and shut out the Aggies speeding recreation getting into final Saturday's recreation averaging 221.5 speeding yards per recreation, second finest within the SEC .
Vanderbilt is 4th within the SEC in third down conversions and third on fourth down, and South Carolina is 32nd within the nation in stopping its opponent on third down (.336%). White stated Pavia has one thing “Houdini” about him, whether or not it's sneaky QB performs or simply his skill to get away from tackles exterior the pocket.
The Commodores are averaging 148 speeding yards and 189.6 passing yards per recreation to South Carolina's 176.5 (speeding) and 193.Three (passing).
South Carolina vs Vanderbilt soccer rating prediction
South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 27: It's doubtless one other shut SEC matchup, nearer than final week for the Gamecocks, however with a constant protection and an bettering offense by the day, South Carolina wins.
MORE: Up to date South Carolina rankings in faculty soccer polls after upset win over Texas A&M
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville Information and the USA TODAY Community. E mail them at lkesin@gannett.com and observe X, previously often called Twitter, @Lulukesin
This text initially appeared on the Greenville Information: South Carolina vs Vanderbilt faculty soccer rating prediction Week 11