South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt 2025 Football Score, Highlights

South Carolina’s football team is peaking at the right time, as evidenced by their dominant 28-7 win over Vanderbilt in Nashville on November 9, 2025. The Gamecocks have now won three consecutive games, displaying an impressive balance of offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Under head coach Shane Beamer, South Carolina (6-3, 4-3 SEC) has come alive in November, reaching bowl eligibility for the first time in two years. The victory over Vanderbilt—an impressive team that had already toppled heavyweights like Alabama and Kentucky—cements South Carolina’s status as a formidable SEC contender.

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt 2025

The Gamecocks’ defense was suffocating from the outset, shutting out Vanderbilt in the first half and forcing turnovers at critical moments. Though Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia tried to spark a second-half comeback, South Carolina’s defense held strong, with relentless pressure and playmaking from the front seven. On offense, running back Raheim Sanders turned in one of his best performances of the season, showing explosive playmaking ability that was missing earlier in the year. Now, with three regular-season games left and a potential 10-win season on the horizon, the Gamecocks are making noise as they look toward the postseason.

WhatsApp Channel Join Button

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Game Summary

Key Event Details
Final Score South Carolina 28, Vanderbilt 7
Game Date November 9, 2025
Location FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
South Carolina Record 6-3 (4-3 SEC)
Vanderbilt Record 6-4 (3-3 SEC)

South Carolina’s Dominant Defense

Aspect Key Plays
Turnovers Forced 1 fumble recovery by Kyle Kennard
Sacks 2 sacks on QB Diego Pavia
Tackles for Loss Multiple tackles for loss from the defensive line
Red Zone Defense Shutout in first half, key forced turnover in red zone

Raheim Sanders Breakout Performance

Key Aspect Game Stats
Rushing Yards 155 yards on 19 carries
Receiving Yards 44 yards on 3 receptions
Total Touchdowns 2 (1 rushing, 1 receiving)
Yards Per Carry 8.16 yards per carry

Shane Beamer Postgame Thoughts

Aspect Commentary
Game Strategy Focus on physicality, controlling the line of scrimmage
Key Performers Highlighted Raheim Sanders’ explosive playmaking
Defensive Play Praised the relentless pressure on QB Pavia

Vanderbilt’s Struggles Against South Carolina Defense

Aspect Analysis
Pavia’s Pressure Forced to scramble on multiple plays
Second Half Spark Pavia had a brief touchdown run but struggled otherwise
Offensive Line Play Could not contain South Carolina’s defensive front

Looking Ahead to Missouri Game

Key Matchup Date & Time
Next Opponent Missouri
Date of Game November 16, 2025
Location Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
TV Broadcast SEC Network

South Carolina Path to 10 Wins

Aspect Status
Regular-Season Games Left 3 games remaining
Bowl Eligibility Secured with 6th win
Potential for 10 Wins 3 wins needed for 10-win season

Key Players in South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt

Player Impact
Raheim Sanders 155 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Kyle Kennard Key fumble recovery in red zone
Diego Pavia Showed flashes of brilliance, but faced constant pressure
Javon Hunt Contributed key tackles for loss on defense

South Carolina Momentum Shift

Aspect Details
Game Momentum South Carolina took control early with a dominant first half
Defensive Dominance Shutout in first half, key stops in second half
Offensive Efficiency Raheim Sanders led an efficient ground attack

South Carolina Defensive Prowess

Aspect Detail
Tackles for Loss Defensive front dictated play, forcing lost yardage
Quarterback Pressure Multiple instances where Pavia retreated 20+ yards
Red Zone Defense Impressive shutout, forcing turnovers

Shane Beamer Vision for Team Development

Aspect Details
Emphasis on Improvement Beamer noted team growth, particularly in defensive intensity
Offensive Identity Highlighted the importance of a balanced attack
Focus on Bowl Prep Discussed focus for remaining regular-season games

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Statistical Breakdown

Aspect South Carolina Vanderbilt
Total Yards 421 yards 276 yards
Rushing Yards 225 yards 100 yards
Passing Yards 196 yards 176 yards
Turnovers 1 forced fumble, 1 interception 2 turnovers (1 fumble, 1 INT)

Game Summary South Carolina Keys to Victory

Key Aspect Summary
Defensive Play Shut out Vanderbilt in the first half, constant pressure on QB
Raheim Sanders Dominated with 155 rushing yards, 2 total touchdowns
Turnovers Forced Key fumble recovery by Kennard in red zone
Team Execution South Carolina executed the game plan flawlessly, capitalizing on turnovers

Raheim Sanders Rising Impact on South Carolina’s Offense

Stat Performance
Rushes 19 carries
Yards per Carry 8.16 yards per carry
Rushing Yards 155 yards
Receiving Yards 44 yards
Total Touchdowns 2 (1 rush, 1 reception)

South Carolina Playoff Hopes After Win Over Vanderbilt

Aspect Analysis
Playoff Hopes After recent wins, still a long shot for CFP but momentum is building
SEC Championship Hopes Possible with strong finish to regular season
Bowl Game Outlook Highly likely to secure a prestigious bowl berth

Looking to the Future South Carolina Potential

Aspect Analysis
Offensive Development Continued improvement in Sanders’ playmaking ability
Defensive Strength Elite defensive performance likely to stay strong
Bowl Games 10-win season is in play, depending on final stretch of games

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Summary

In their 28-7 victory over Vanderbilt, South Carolina showcased a complete performance impressive defense, explosive offense, and the emergence of Raheim Sanders as a game-changing force. With a potential 10-win season within reach, the Gamecocks are gearing up for a strong finish as they chase a coveted bowl game and potentially more.

WhatsApp Channel Join Button