Tennessee vs. South Carolina Preview

Photo Credit: Austin Perryman/Tennessee Athletics

The Vols travel to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at 7:30 on Saturday night. Tennessee has a 2-game losing streak to South Carolina, but the Vols lead the all-time series 25-9-2. Tennessee last won at Williams-Brice Stadium in 2014, as Joshua Dobbs led a furious comeback in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Night games at South Carolina always create a raucous environment, so it will be important for Tennessee to keep their poise, especially early in the game. 

South Carolina averages 28.8 PPG, with Tennessee scoring 25.9 PPG. The Gamecocks have allowed opponents to score 25.8 PPG at this season. South Carolina accumulates an average of 404 yards per game, while the Vols have gained 350.6 yards per game this year. South Carolina quarterback, Jake Bentley has completed 101-167 pass attempts (60.5%) this year, totaling 1,151 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Meanwhile, Jarrett Guarantano has completed 85-135 passes (63%) for 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Gamecocks' leading rusher is Rico Dowdle, with 83 carries for 351 yards and 2 touchdowns this season. Tim Jordan's leads the Vols rushing attack with 334 yards and 2 touchdowns on 90 carries.

Deebo Samuel leads South Carolina in receiving, with 33 catches for 382 yards and 4 touchdowns on the year. Tennessee has used a plethora of receivers this season. Josh Palmer has made 12 catches for 314 yards and a touchdown, with an average of 26.2 yards per reception. Jauan Jennings' 23 receptions have totaled 309 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Marquez Callaway has hauled in 18 passes for 286 yards. Additionally, running back Ty Chandler has caught the ball 12 times for 154 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. Chandler has caught a touchdown pass in each of the past 3 games and I say that he will continue the streak against South Carolina on Saturday.

It is crucial that Tennessee plays well early in the game, not only quieting the crowd by putting points on the board, but staying true to their defensive scheme. I can not wait to see whether Jeremy Banks is ready to play at linebacker or not. The past 6 meetings between these 2 teams have been decided by an average of 3.3 points, with the largest margin of victory being South Carolina's 15-9 win last season. Tennessee is 3-3 in this series over those last 6 games and I expect the trend of close games and crazy finishes to continue this year.

Preston's Pick: Tennessee 35  South Carolina 31

Alex’s Pick: Tennessee 54  South Carolina 20