South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt: Breaking it Down by the Numbers

The South Carolina Gamecocks will travel to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN.

Here are some numbers to give you an idea how these teams have matched up over the history of the series:

1961– First every meeting between the Gamecocks and Commodores.  USC won 23-7.
1-SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2005) QB Jay Cutler.
2- Number of bowl victories in Vandy History.
3- The number of times Vanderbilt has scored more than 20 points against the Gamecocks.

4- is the number of interceptions thrown by Stephen Garcia last year against Vandy.  4 is also the number of times Vanderbilt has defeated the Gamecocks.  The last victory coming in 2008.
5- is the number of Bowl games Vanderbilt has played in.
6- is the number of Sacks the Gamecocks had against Vandy last year
7- is the number of penalties Vandy had last year against USC for 79 yards.  Which is 2 more yards than the Commodores offense gained last year.
8-  is the number of times the Gamecocks have scored 30 or more points against Vandy.
9- is the number of times Richard Kent punted for Vandy last year against the Gamecocks.  9 is also the number of starters Vandy returns from last season on the offensive side of the ball.
12- USC has won 12 consecutive season opening games, dating back to the 2000 season.
28- James Franklin is Vandy’s 28th head coach.
36- is the number of Football All American’s Vandy has had.

This will be the 22nd all time meeting between USC and Vandy, with the Gamecocks holding a 17-4 advantage, including a 9-2 record in Nashville.  This will also be the 7th time the Gamecocks have opened the season in August, the Gamecocks are 5-1 in August.

The Gamecocks scored 56 points last year in the season opener against ECU, which tied a school record.  Let’s hope the Gamecocks can break that record this year.

Get more great South Carolina sports analysis over at Leftover Hot Dog.