Continuing our look at the Gamecocks’ 2011 schedule, today we run down Tennessee, the 6th toughest game on the schedule.
Other Previews:
12 The Citadel
11 Vanderbilt
10 Navy
9 East Carolina
8 Kentucky
7 Auburn
The Tennessee Volunteers host the Gamecocks in Knoxville on October 29.
Why this game might be easier than expected: Tennessee is still recovering from the Lane Kiffin era. If the Vols have any injuries or suspensions, they might not be deep enough to replace with quality.
Why this game might be harder than expected: This is still Tennessee. Yes, South Carolina did win last year but USC has only won once in Knoxville.
5 Points to consider:
1) This is another game that fits into the schedule well for South Carolina. In the preceding three weeks Tennessee will play Georgia, LSU and at Alabama.
2) The Vol defense should be primed to be exploited. Even though they return their secondary, they only return two of the front seven.
3) As new as they may be on defense, Tennessee has the opposite issue with the offensive line. Last year they were forced to play freshmen, and that may pay off this year. The Vols will have 4 starters back, three of which will be sophomores.
4) The most underrated running back in the conference might be Tauren Poole. Poole, the senior, quietly rushed for 1034 yards on 5.1 yards per carry last season.
5) South Carolina may not have moved as far ahead of Tennessee as some fans think. If the Volunteers’ two bizarre losses stay the same score when time ran out the first time, they would have been 8-5, a mere half game behind the Gamecocks’ 9-5 mark.
Way too early prediction: Both offenses should be able to score in this one. It could be a wild night in Rocky Top with South Carolina coming out ahead 31-28.
