South Carolina football: 3 most important games on the Gamecocks’ schedule
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football faces a test in the opener when Tennessee comes to town.
1. Tennessee
A common cliché in sports is “the most important game is the next one on the schedule.” In the Gamecocks’ case, this has never been truer. South Carolina takes on a Tennessee team in its home opener in what sets up to be a competitive matchup between two squads in similar positions going into the 2020 season.
In fact, ESPN’s FPI algorithm rated the contest versus the Volunteers as the most evenly matched game on the South Carolina slate, with the site giving the Gamecocks a 57% chance of winning. Not only is the game a toss-up, but it will also have a significant impact on the SEC race.
The winner of this contest will get off to a 1-0 start in the SEC standings, and will own a head-to-head tie-breaker over an SEC East opponent. The loser falls behind in the championship race early. The Gamecocks need to get a win here in order to get the sour taste of last year out of their mouths and build some confidence to begin the season.