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Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com/The State
Vanderbilt quarterback Chris Nickson looks for room in the second quarter during the Gamecocks game against Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium on Thursday.
GoGamecocks.com
Nickson commands Vandy offense
Written by STEVE SILVER
Special to The State
Posted on 09.05.08
Vanderbilt quarterback Chris Nickson will not earn any style points for his performance against South Carolina on Thursday night.
The reigning SEC offensive player of the week, who compiled 257 total yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 34-13 blowout of Miami of Ohio, posted paltry numbers against the Gamecocks, passing for 90 yards and rushing for 17.
But the flashy, fifth-year senior commanded Vanderbilt’s unheralded offense to a 24-17 win against offensive guru Steve Spurrier — and that is all that matters to Nickson.
“Everyone grew up tonight,” Nickson said. “I watched them grow up. I feel like a proud parent. They did their thing, and I’m proud of them. It’s a family thing. It almost brought tears to my eyes to see how everyone grew up to win a big game like this.”
The beaming field general, who completed 8-of-13 passes and rushed 16 times, scored one touchdown through the air and one on the ground.
He also continually eluded South Carolina tacklers as the Gamecocks managed two sacks against Nickson.
Yet it was more of what Nickson did not do that made the difference in the SEC East clash. He played mistake-free football, unlike Chris Smelley who threw two interceptions.
“I think he didn’t try to force too many things, and he didn’t try to do some things he couldn’t do,” Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. “So I think he did a great job of just managing the game.”
Nickson’s veteran presence showed as the Commodores converted three turnovers into 17 points.
With a two-score lead heading into the final minutes of the game, Nickson displayed his clock management skills by checking down to running back Jared Hawkins on several occasions.
Hawkins rushed for 84 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries.
“(Chris) does a really good job of commanding the huddle and getting people excited and pumped up,” Hawkins said. “He spends more time than anyone watching film and preparing for the game, and it showed off tonight.”
Although one of the SEC’s most electrifying quarterbacks did not light up the stat sheet Thursday, Nickson said he cares only about the final score.
“I was overwhelmed,” Nickson said. “We needed it, and now we proved we can beat teams over and over again.”
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