Oct. 21, 2006
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NASHVILLE, TN - Vanderbilt couldn't maintain the momentum gained after shocking the No. 16 Georgia Bulldogs last week, losing to South Carolina 31-13. The 31 points scored by the Gamecocks was the most the 'Dores have surrendered this season.
Senior Commodore fullback Steven Bright left the game midway through the first quarter with a fracture to his lower right leg. Bright, a redshirt senior fullback, motioned for the crowd to cheer as he was wheeled off the field by medical personnel.
Nursing a nagging thigh injury, Commodore quarterback Chris Nickson had a dismal day under center, completing only 4 of 15 pass attempts for 76 yards, no touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and 1 rushing touchdown. Junior transfer quarterback Richard Kovalcheck entered the game late in the fourth quarter, completing 7 of 10 pass attempts against a South Carolina prevent defense. The 'Dores managed 253 total yards, compared to the Gamecocks' 327.
Sophomore place kicker Bryant Hahnfeldt, who kicked a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of the game against Georgia, nailed a 25-yarder to put the 'Dores up 3-0 with 5:20 left in the first quarter. It would be the Commodores' only lead of the game. South Carolina tied the game 5 minutes later with a 55-yard field goal. It was the second-longest field goal in Gamecock history. The previous record was 58 yards, kicked in 1982. Today's kick was aided by a strong wind from the south.
Nickson led the 'Dores in rushing with 70 yards, followed by Cassen Jackson-Garrison's 48 yards, and Jared Hawkins' 25 yards. George Smith led the receiving corps with 2 catches for 51 yards. Although Earl Bennett caught 4 passes, he only managed 16 yards on the day.
Defensive end Curtis Gatewood had an outstanding day, logging five tackles, forcing 1 fumble, intercepting a pass, and sacking Gamecock quarterback Syvelle Newton for a 6-yard loss. Gatewood also had one quarterback hurry. Linebacker Jonathan Goff recorded 6 tackles, all solo.
Today's attendance was 37,280.
The 'Dores take their 3-5 record to Durham, N.C., where they will face the Duke Blue Devils, a team looking for their first win of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CST.
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