"Obviously Syvelle throws the ball almost exactly (the way) we're asking him to now," Coach Steve Spurrier said after the game, pointing out Newton's steady improvement.

South Carolina now has stability at the quarterback position, and it's put them only one win away from bowl eligibility and still in the race for the SEC East crown.

Behind an improving offensive line, the Gamecocks put up 327 total yards today against Vanderbilt. Spurrier made a change at left tackle early in the game, inserting Jamon Meredith to replace Hutch Eckerson temporarily. Spurrier pushed the right button, and the much-maligned O-line gave Newton time to establish a downfield passing game. That benefited the entire offense, especially receiver Sidney Rice. Rice broke out from his slump with 89 yards and a touchdown.

The Gamecocks have now won five straight SEC road games dating back to last season, a school record. The common theme has been stellar defensive efforts. Today, the tone was set early in each half when the Gamecocks defense held Vanderbilt to FGs when the Commodores should have had touchdowns. On the game's third possession, Vanderbilt had first and goal at the five yard line, but settled for three points. In the third quarter, trailing 17-10, Vanderbilt intercepted Newton and took over with good field position. The drive ended at the ten yard line with a 27 yard field goal. Spurrier said that with a new defensive coordinator this year, his players are a lot more organized and playing better. The defense was not tested often today, but when it was, the unit responded nicely.

USC dominated on special teams. A 55 yard field goal by Ryan Succop in the first quarter boosted the Gamecocks, but USC also won the field position battle because Vanderbilt's punter Brett Upson averaged only 28.7 yards per punt.

Aside from at the QB position, the game was really decided in the South Carolina secondary. Vanderbilt quarterback Chris Nickson was 4-15 with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns in the air, though he did run one in. The backup QB Richard Kovalcheck threw for 44 yards in garbage time. The Gamecocks defensive backfield absolutely smothered Earl Bennett and the rest of the Vandy receivers.

"Captain (Munnerlyn) and Carlos (Thomas) and Fred Bennett, I think, are three good cover guys as there is around," Spurrier said.

It was a thorough domination by the Gamecocks, but some holding penalties, fumbles, and an interception leave room for improvement. Expect that improvement to be made. USC is getting better and better every game. They have proven they can compete in the tough SEC, and don't be surprised to see them beat Tennessee next week. If the offensive line plays this well again, USC can beat just about anyone. Obviously, South Carolina is not the elite team in the conference, but with Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, and Clemson still left on the schedule, don't expect USC to limp into a bowl game.

"Without the turnovers and the penalties," Spurrier said, "we had the chance for our best game since I've been here."

South Carolina is getting close. They'll be a very good team soon.