Tennessee vs. South Carolina Preview
After a big win against Kentucky, it seems as though Tennessee should be able to finish the season strong against its upcoming opponents.
Photo by Tennessee Journalist
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After a big win against Kentucky, it seems as though Tennessee should be able to finish the season strong against its upcoming opponents.
Entering the game as the favorite, the Vols look forward to a home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks this Saturday. The game is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
Tennessee has won the last two games of the series between the Vols and the Gamecocks. Butch Jones has a 2-0 record against South Carolina.
The Gamecocks enter the game with a 3-5 record for the year and are just 1-5 in the SEC. They are coached by interim Shawn Elliott, who took over after Steve Spurrier resigned earlier in the season.
Although South Carolina lost to Texas A&M this past weekend, 35-28, quarterback Perry Orth played arguably his best game of the season so far, throwing for nearly 200 yards.
For the Gamecocks’ offense to excel, Orth must get the ball to receiver Pharoh Cooper. Cooper has had four 100-yard receiving games this year along with 44 catches for 609 yards. He has scored four touchdowns through eight games.
Tennessee’s defense will have to get pressure on the quarterback and play well in the secondary in order for Cooper to not be the difference maker for the Gamecocks.
In order for South Carolina’s defense to excel, it must stop the Vols’ explosive offense. The key for the Gamecocks’ defense in this game is to force turnovers and score off those opportunities. South Carolina’s defense has done a pretty good job of forcing interceptions with a total of nine for this season.
The Vols have a great opportunity to score multiple rushing touchdowns on the Gamecocks. South Carolina has had trouble stopping the run game and is currently last in the SEC in that category. The Gamecocks are giving up more than 215 yards per game on the ground. Tennessee is averaging around the same amount.
Prediction: Tennessee 45, South Carolina 17
Featured image by Tennessee Journalist
Edited by Cody McClure
