USC @ Vanderbilt Halftime Recap

The first half of the college football season has come to a close and what a great one it was.  I was high on Vanderbilt before the game, but picked the Gamecocks to win.  Early on my worries for South Carolina were coming to fruition.  Lattimore, who normally never fumbles, put the ball on the ground on USC's first offensive play.

As advertised, the Gamecock defense is stout.  The gamecocks pushed Vandy back about 9 yards forcing a punt.  Two plays after USC repossessed the ball Shaw threw a pass into the secondary and it was intercepted.  Vanderbilt seemed completely in control.

After driving down to the Carolina 5, disaster struck.  Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin called a backdoor screen on 3rd and goal, causing Jordan Rodgers to throw an egregious pass across his body, which was intercepted by South Carolina defensive end Shaq Wilson and returned 50 yards.  Two plays later Marcus Lattimore galloped into the endzone giving USC a 7-0 lead.  USC once again overpowered the Commores and put three more points up on the board.

Thats when the momentum once again, shifted.  Jordan Rodgers connected with WR Jordan Matthews for a 78 yard touchdown.  Vanderbilt forced Carolina into a three and out and ended up putting a field goal up before the half was over.

However, the biggest story of the game to this point occurred right before the half ended.  Connor Shaw scrambled for an 8 yard gain and slid head first.  Three Vanderbilt players landed on him as he slid, injuring his right shoulder.  Shaw exited early into the locker room clearly in pain.  The Gamecocks will certainly have to make immense adjustments and rely on their defense if he cannot return.  Also, Lattimore played very well on his knee in the first half, racking up 38 yards on 5 carries with a TD.

NOTES FROM FIRST HALF

1.  USC is having trouble throwing the football

2.  Connor Shaw is very very...very fast

3.  Marcus Lattimore isn't as quick around the edge but is definitely as powerful as he was last year

4.  Momentum is HUGE.  

5.  Jordan Rodgers is feeling the pressure from USC

6.  Vanderbilt can be resilient.

7.  Vanderbilt has momentum and swagger heading into half.

8.  Jadavean Clowney is a freak of nature.   

9.  SOUTH CAROLINA'S DEFENSE IS DANG GOOD.

Halftime 
Vanderbilt 10 South Carolina 10