Vanderbilt Just Misses Big Upset

NASHVILLE (AP) — Vanderbilt turned the ball over on downs with 1:47 to go when Jordan Matthews couldn’t handle a fourth-down pass from Jordan Rodgers. Gamecocks defensive back D.J. Swearinger appeared to grab Matthews’ arm before the ball arrived. “You did know the SEC just came out with very clear rules about talking about the officials and what happens after games,” Vanderbilt coach James Franklin said. “Trying to get me fined?” Matthews refused to comment on the no-call, though he waved his arms looking for a flag. “I’ve got to get more open,” Matthews said. Vanderbilt didn’t have the sellout crowd Franklin wanted, but most of the 38,393 who did turn out were wearing black as part of a “blackout.” The Commodores came up with three sacks and forced two turnovers, and they outgained South Carolina 276-272 in total offense. But South Carolina had a 115-17 advantage in the fourth quarter. “At some point, we’ve got to find a way to win these tough games,” Franklin said. “The margin of error is not real big for us.”