USC's Raheim Sanders Makes History in Dominant Win Over No. 24 Vanderbilt!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The South Carolina Gamecocks pulled off their second consecutive upset victory over a Top 25 team, this time knocking off the No. 24 Vanderbilt Commodores 28-7 on Saturday.

Raheim Sanders was the star of the show, racking up 126 yards on the ground and scoring two touchdowns, as well as catching a 43-yard touchdown pass in the end zone. The Gamecocks' explosive running back proved nearly unstoppable for the Vanderbilt defense, breaking tackles and bursting through holes to grab big chunks of yardage.

With the win, the Gamecocks moved up in the SEC East standings and bolstered their chances of a strong finish in the conference. “Our team has been working hard all season, and to see our guys execute like they did today was extremely rewarding,” Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer said in a post-game press conference. “Raheim Sanders, Spencer Rattler, and the rest of our offense played lights-out, and our defense held strong in the clutch moments when it counted most.”

For Vanderbilt, the loss marked a significant setback in their own quest for a division title. Despite high hopes entering the season, the Commodores have stumbled in several key matchups, including Saturday's rout at the hands of the Gamecocks. Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea acknowledged after the game that his team has struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball.

The lopsided score was not indicative of the Commodores' capabilities, as Sanders and the Gamecocks capitalized on multiple Vandy miscues to grab a commanding lead. Turnovers and penalties took their toll on the Vanderbilt offense, preventing the team from sustaining a consistent rhythm. A dismal showing from the Commodores' attack proved the final nail in the coffin for a Vanderbilt squad that had entered the season with aspirations of a top-20 ranking.

The triumph in Music City elevated the Gamecocks' record to 3-3 on the year, and they now look to use their newfound momentum in the pursuit of bowl eligibility. For Raheim Sanders and his South Carolina teammates, however, Saturday's resounding victory stands as more than just a stepping stone toward bigger things — it's a testament to their unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.