Volunteers seek a perfect October against a Gamecocks team led by one of the SEC’s top rushing offenses.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Game Day Center) — The 11th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers head to Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday looking to extend their winning streak and close October undefeated as they face a Gamecocks team featuring one of the nation’s strongest rushing attacks.
Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) visits South Carolina (3-3, 1-3) at Williams-Brice Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff on ESPN.
The Volunteers enter the matchup after a 26-10 victory over then-No. 6 Alabama last Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee never trailed, forced four turnovers and held the Crimson Tide scoreless in the second half. The win marked Tennessee’s third consecutive home victory over Alabama and the program’s 900th on-field win.
Senior running back DeSean Bishop rushed for 159 yards on 32 carries and scored twice in the second half, recording his third consecutive 100-yard game. Sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre completed 21 of 31 passes for 197 yards in his first home start.
Tennessee has won four straight road games and three consecutive SEC road contests dating to last season. The Vols are seeking their first perfect October since 2022 and only their second in the past 20 seasons. Saturday marks their eighth consecutive week of competition before an open date on Halloween.
South Carolina, in its 133rd season of football, opened the year with convincing victories over Kent State, 57-0, on Sept. 5 and Towson, 45-9, on Sept. 12. The Gamecocks are coming off a bye week after defeating then-No. 16/15 Florida 38-19 on Oct. 10 in Gainesville.
The Carolina offense has recorded more than 390 yards in each of its six games, placing the Gamecocks among just 12 Football Bowl Subdivision teams to reach that mark every week this season.
Running back Matt Fuller and quarterback LaNorris Sellers lead the rushing attack. Fuller has 485 rushing yards, while Sellers has added 411. Together, they account for 19 of South Carolina’s 26 touchdowns.
The Gamecocks average 232.3 rushing yards per game, ranking first in the SEC and 10th nationally. Tennessee ranks second in the conference at 217.4 yards per game, setting up a matchup between the league’s top two rushing offenses.
South Carolina also has been strong against the run, allowing 103.7 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry. The Gamecocks rank third in the SEC and 25th nationally in rushing defense.
Coach Shane Beamer is in his sixth season leading South Carolina. His 33 wins through his first five seasons rank third in program history for a coach’s first five years, behind Joe Morrison with 37 and Steve Spurrier with 35.
Tennessee and South Carolina last met in 2023, when the Volunteers won 41-20 in Knoxville.
Game information
- Matchup: No. 11 Tennessee at South Carolina
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
- Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
- TV: ESPN
- Tennessee record: 6-1 overall, 3-1 SEC
- South Carolina record: 3-3 overall, 1-3 SEC
The Volunteers will look to keep their road momentum going against a South Carolina team seeking to build on its win over Florida.
No responses yet