COLUMBIA — South Carolina football is looking to win two straight SEC games for the first time since 2024.
Coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3 SEC) picked up a much-needed 38-19 victory over then No. 15 Florida in Week 6, ending an eight-game conference losing streak right before the open week.
Now No. 11 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1) comes to Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 24 (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) fresh off a 26-10 win over No. 13 Alabama.
Here's The Greenville News' prediction on how the game will go.
South Carolina vs Tennessee prediction
Sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre led the Vols to the victory over Alabama but wasn't named the starter at the beginning of the season.
Freshman Faizon Brandon won the job, starting five games before hurting his shoulder. Brandon was available vs Alabama but did not play.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has not named a quarterback for the South Carolina game, but MacIntyre is expected to remain the starter, per media reports.
It's a matchup between the two best rushing teams in the SEC, with South Carolina averaging 232.3 rushing yards per game to Tennessee's 217.1.
In the same way the fans in Neyland Stadium rattled Alabama, the fans in Columbia will do the same and after some back-and-forth scoring in the first half, South Carolina will pull away midway through the fourth quarter.
South Carolina vs Tennessee scouting report
Why South Carolina has an advantage: MacIntyre beat Alabama and South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers didn't, but Sellers' defense is way more to blame for that loss. Tennessee's defense gave MacIntyre plenty of help. He didn't throw a touchdown in the win.
Now MacIntyre has to win on the road in one of the loudest stadiums, fresh off a statement win, which sometimes leads to an emotional hangover, similar to how Ole Miss was drubbed by Florida on the road right after beating LSU at home.
For the Gamecocks, edge rusher Dylan Stewart also had career day against Florida coming off a one-game suspension and looks like a better version of himself, returning to an already strong defensive front for South Carolina. Texas laid out a blueprint on how to disrupt the offensive line, logging 10 sacks in its win over the Vols.
When it comes to stopping the run, the Gamecocks are statistically better. In terms of passing defense, Tennessee is better, however the Vols have the worst passing offense in the SEC.
Why Tennessee has an advantage: While the Vols offense has been shaky at times, their defense has been strong.
Tennessee is allowing 280.4 yards per game, the fifth fewest in the SEC. It has three defensive lineman in the top-10 for most sacks in the country, led by Tyree Weathersby's 6.5 (fourth most), then Xavier Gilliam's five (fifth) and Mariyon Dye's four (tied for ninth).
Tennessee's DeSean Bishop is No. 3 in the country with 837 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns (fifth most among running backs). He'll be the biggest challenge, really testing just how strong South Carolina's rushing defense is.
South Carolina vs Tennessee score prediction
South Carolina 24, Tennessee 17: Tennessee's win over Alabama is nothing to ignore but South Carolina also had a statement win right before an extra week to get healthy with the open date. The Vols keep it close but the home crowd and older quarterback prevail.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky @bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina football vs Tennessee prediction. Can Shane Beamer get another top-15 win?