USC Gamecocks Football

Thumbs up, thumbs down: USC vs. Vanderbilt


South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore recovers a fumble by Vanderbilt quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) in the second half of the Gamecocks’ win Saturday.
South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore recovers a fumble by Vanderbilt quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) in the second half of the Gamecocks’ win Saturday. tdominick@thestate.com

THUMBS UP

Pharoh Cooper

Another 160 yards receiving and another game-breaking touchdown. He’s nearly good enough to play offense by himself.

Skai Moore

Eleven tackles, a sack, a forced and recovered fumble and an interception. That he makes it look so easy at times …

Brandon Wilds

He rebounded from a week questioning his commitment to post 120 yards. The Gamecocks need him to keep doing that.

Elliott Fry

The little guy boomed four field goals (although he missed two more). He was the offense for most of the game.

THUMBS DOWN

Cover-2

The defense got takeaways and came up with big plays, but the same problems were showcased. The middle of the field is wide-open and with no pass-rush, defensive backs are an afterthought.

Red-zone offense

The only touchdown the Gamecocks scored was when Cooper broke a 78-yard catch-and-run. Otherwise, USC had three red-zone possessions (and a fourth that ended on the 21-yard-line) and kicked each time.

Game-planners

Every road surrounding the stadium area was a parking lot until after halftime. Whoever plans the State Fair during a game week should be forced to watch the USC-Georgia game on loop.

Matrick Belton

The starting wideout was targeted twice and dropped two passes. Not the best way to hold onto the position.

David Cloninger

This story was originally published October 18, 2015 at 12:27 AM.

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