All of a sudden, South Carolina has become the proverbial Team You Don’t Want To Face.
It was only one game a few weeks ago in horrendous conditions, but the Gamecocks’ 38-19 win over Florida showed one thing more than anything else – they’re still trying.
This was supposed to be a big bounceback season for South Carolina, but it lost three straight SEC games, including an overtime home game to Kentucky, and that was it. No SEC title, no CFP appearance. It was all over, and it wasn’t even the second week of October.
This is a good Gamecock team in the fun make-lemonade-out-of-the-season position of getting to screw everyone else up.
Tennessee has to keep its focus and show that it’s worthy of being in the mix for all the things South Carolina was supposed to be fighting for right now. It beat Alabama, it took out Auburn by ten, and it probably should’ve beaten Texas. Now it has to sidestep the landmine.
Tennessee vs South Carolina: Quick Hits
- The Vols get a week off before hosting Kentucky, and then they’re off to Texas A&M.
- South Carolina goes to Oklahoma next week before hosting Texas A&M.
- The two haven’t played since Tennessee won 41-20 in 2023. The Vols are 4-1 in the last five meetings.
How To Watch Tennessee vs South Carolina
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
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Why Tennessee Will Win
Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush, pass rush, pass rush.
The Tennessee running game was okay in the win over Alabama, and George MacIntyre kept his cool, throwing for close to 200 yards. But the offense turned it over twice and was hardly smooth.
The Volunteer defense held Bama to 201 yards of total offense and forced four takeaways because of the ten tackles for loss and five sacks that dominated the game. Tennessee is No. 1 in the nation in sacks, and it’s about to force the Gamecocks into a whole slew of mistakes.
Why South Carolina Will Win
How did South Carolina blow out Florida?
LaNorris Sellers showed the upside to be a dangerous NFL quarterback. The offense didn’t turn the ball over, and the defense pitched a gem, especially against the run.
Tennessee has a good offense, but it’s the defense that delivers the mail. South Carolina can’t get frustrated. It needs to keep the mistakes to a bare minimum and be okay with living to fight another day.
Tennessee vs South Carolina Prediction, Betting Lines
It is possible to run on the Tennessee defense.
It’ll get its sacks and plays behind the line, but Auburn was able to run well against the Vols. It lost because it turned the ball over three times.
Arch Manning was actually okay against the Vols, but the two Texas turnovers and 11 penalties made it way too close.
The weather had a lot to do with the three Florida turnovers against South Carolina. It’s going to be 72 and sunny on Saturday in Columbia.
Tennessee 27, South Carolina 23
Latest Consensus Line: South Carolina -2.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.