South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer met with the media on Tuesday to preview the Gamecocks’ first SEC matchup of the 2025 season against Vanderbilt. The primetime showdown kicks off Saturday at 7:45 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium and will air nationally on SEC Network.
Beamer began his remarks by praising the South Carolina fans for creating another electric environment in last week’s win over South Carolina State, despite weather delays.
“Looking back at last week, I know I said it already, but I want to say it again, just thanks to our fans,” Beamer said. “What an amazing environment on Saturday night… to sit through that weather delay, the student section, The Cockpit, was unreal. To come out of the locker room for pregame warmups to a packed stadium was awesome, and our players really appreciated it. We’ll need them again this Saturday as well.”
Respect for Vanderbilt’s Progress
Beamer was quick to point out how much Vanderbilt has improved under Clark Lea, calling this year’s team the toughest Commodores squad he has faced as South Carolina’s head coach.
“They’re improved from last year, brought back eight starters on defense,” Beamer noted. “They’ve got really good players, added new receivers through the portal, and three new offensive linemen. They seem to be more explosive in the passing game than they were last year.”
Beamer also highlighted Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who has fueled the team’s 2–0 start.
“He’s a stud,” Beamer said. “You watch his tape — he does it all. He loves the moment, loves competing. There’s a play against Virginia Tech where he’s in the pocket delivering a strike, another where he takes off on a QB draw for 20 yards, and even one where he pitched on an option and became the lead blocker downfield. It’s going to take all 11 on defense to control him.”
Beamer called Vanderbilt “tough, physical, and well-coached,” praising Lea for building a balanced team that plays well in all three phases.
Offense Still Searching for Consistency
South Carolina may be 2–0, but Beamer admitted the offense hasn’t been sharp enough — especially in the running game.
“I wouldn’t say there’s one glaring issue,” Beamer explained. “We’ve been close; we haven’t been consistent enough. Sometimes it’s a different position, maybe a guy gets beat. This week we’re hopeful to start the same five on the offensive line for the first time. We’re confident we’ll be better.”
Beamer also stressed that quarterback LaNorris Sellers is still settling into rhythm with a new supporting cast.
“It hasn’t been perfect. It needs to be better, no question about it,” Beamer said. “But our guys had a really good day today. We just need to keep working. When it clicks, it’s really going to be good.”
Preparing for SEC Play
This weekend marks South Carolina’s first SEC game of the year, something Beamer emphasized will naturally elevate the intensity.
“The message is that it ramps up another level this week,” Beamer said. “The SEC is a different animal. Our leaders have made it clear there’s a different feel. You wish every week felt the same, but when conference play starts, the energy just changes.”
Beamer also reminded his team that Vanderbilt is no pushover: “I’d be hard-pressed to believe there’s a better Vanderbilt team we’ve played during this streak than the one we’re about to face.”
Injuries and Depth
South Carolina has battled injuries across the roster, particularly in the secondary, but Beamer was optimistic about progress.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” he said. “We’ll release the injury report later this week, but guys are coming along.”
Beamer praised younger players stepping up: “The depth has certainly helped. Everybody has a job to do, whether you’re the starting right guard or on kickoff return. Our backups have been ready when called.”
The coach also gave a positive update on defensive line coach Travian Robertson, who is recovering from a car accident. “It was good to get Travian home. He’s been able to Zoom into meetings. He’s eager to get back, and we were all excited to see him go home at the end of last week.”
Special Teams Spotlight
Special teams have been a bright spot thanks to the electrifying play of Vicari Swain, who already has three punt return touchdowns this season.
“Vicari is back there with a lot of confidence right now,” Beamer said. “But Vanderbilt is also excellent on special teams. They’re dangerous with their returners, and Clark Lea’s teams always put pressure on opponents with their schemes. We’ve got to be ready.”
When asked if Vanderbilt would punt away from Swain, Beamer smiled: “Knowing Clark Lea, they’ll probably kick it to him and say, ‘Let’s see how good you are.’ That’s just their mentality.”
The Bottom Line
Beamer closed by reinforcing the importance of Saturday night’s primetime matchup.
“It’s SEC play, it’s Vanderbilt, and they’re really good. We need to take another step forward as a team. It should be a beautiful night for football at Williams-Brice. We need our fans to make it the most hostile environment Vanderbilt has faced all season. We’re looking forward to competing.”
📍 Next Game:
South Carolina (2–0) vs. Vanderbilt (2–0)
📅 Saturday, Sept. 13
🕖 7:45 p.m. ET
📺 SEC Network | ESPN app.
