The Gamecocks return to action after the bye week as they are set to host the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers. Similarly, the fanbase returns to Williams-Brice Stadium with a renewed sense of energy and eagerness. The last time out, Gamecocks got a much-needed, upset win over Florida.
After a weekend of college football where the world of the SEC was turned upside down, the Gamecocks have an opportunity to continue that trend and once again take down a Vols team that is vying for the College Football Playoffs. Despite being unranked, the Gamecocks are currently sitting as 2-point favorites after the line flipped during the week. Expect a battle in Columbia Saturday afternoon.
On my podcast Cox Talking Gamecocks I outline the "crows to the game" every week. Why crows? Because everyone has keys to the game and we have our rooster crow, so why not. Let's get into it!
Defensive Crows
- Be stout in the interior: The last time South Carolina faced Tennessee in 2023, the talk about the Vols was high powered, spread offense that moved with a lot of tempo. This year, things look different. Tennessee is second in the SEC in rushing (to USC) thanks to their bell cow running back DeSean Bishop. The Gamecocks defensive front is at full strength for the first time all season, so this group has to win individual battles and limit Tennessee’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and run game.
- Generate multiple turnovers: What once felt like wishing upon a star is now a reality—Clayton White’s defense finally was able to create a turnover in a meaningful game against Florida. While nothing is a given, Tennessee quarterback George MacIntyre has thrown at least one interception in each of his last two games. This is also a Tennessee team that is playing their eighth straight game, so hopefully a well-rested South Carolina defense can take advantage of the Vols and create some takeaways.
Offensive Crows
- Get the ball out quickly: The Volunteers are first in the SEC in sacks and their new-look defense under Jim Knowles has been ferocious in his Year One. It will be imperative to keep LaNorris Sellers upright in this game, and Sellers himself must be sharp in his decision making and not have the pocket collapse around him. Kendal Briles needs to have the quick-pass game ready and have the offense prepared to move with tempo to try and stay ahead of the chains and avoid the pass rush.
- Establish the run: The Gamecocks are a team that has run the ball incredibly well this year. The entire group of running backs, plus Sellers makes it difficult for defense to key in on any one individual. Although the Volunteers defense has led the way for their team, South Carolina must also lean on what has worked so far this season. That includes running the ball, utilizing the RPO, and letting Sellers use his natural athleticism. It could be slow going at first, but if the Gamecocks can establish a consistent run game in this matchup, things will favor South Carolina.
The last time the Vols came to Columbia in 2022 it was a historic night for the Gamecocks, who upset then-No. 5 Tennessee 63-38. While that result has no bearing on this Saturday, recent history will tell you that home field plays a big role in the matchup between these two teams.
The Gamecocks are setting out to prove that their win against Florida was not an aberration and that this team can in fact beat some of the SEC’s best. If Shane Beamer and company want to finish the year strong, it starts against Tennessee.
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