COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier sees a different Vanderbilt heading to play the Gamecocks.
Spurrier said the Commodores (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) are more fundamentally sound and talented, and No. 12 South Carolina (3-0, 1-0) will have its hands full leaving Williams-Brice Stadium with a victory Saturday night.
Vanderbilt is seeking its first 4-0 start since 2008, the last time it played in a bowl game. The Commodores lead the country with 10 interceptions, three returned for touchdowns. Their defensive linemen lead the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss.
South Carolina has the nation’s leading rusher, though, in Marcus Lattimore. The sophomore has 534 yards, including a career-best 246 in last week’s 24-21 win over Navy.
Lattimore is averaging 178 yards a game, more than double what Vanderbilt’s allowing.
