November 1st – at South Carolina
Daniel: After a rough stint against Ole Miss and Alabama, I see UT really battling at South Carolina – a team the Vols should have confidence against after knocking them off in 2013. Replacing Jadeveon Clowney, Connor Shaw, Kelcy Quarles and others will be tough for South Carolina. That fact was on display as Texas A&M sliced them up in their season opener. I like what they have on offense, but they should be on upset alert this week. In the end, South Carolina playing at home with a little more depth and experience than UT will pull this one out. Winner: South Carolina
Houston: The Vols got by Carolina last season thanks to big plays and field position. Tennessee will likely rely on a similar formula against the Gamecocks this year. Carolina’s opening game performance against Texas A&M was a real eye-opener for SEC fans as the Aggies were able to do whatever they wanted through the air against the Gamecock’s new 3-4 defense. By the time the Vols roll into town Spurrier’s team should be playing much better, but this matchup looks like a winnable one for the Vols. The loss of Clowney and Quarles for Carolina should make things much easier on Tennessee’s offensive line who should be playing well at this point in the season, and there will be big plays to be had against Carolina’s young secondary. The Vols will be rounding into form by this game and I think they can go into Columbia and steal one. Winner: Tennessee
Reed: This game doesn’t look as scary after South Carolina’s defense failed to offer any resistance in their season opener. With the exception of Tennessee’s trip to Nashville, this is UT’s best chance for a road SEC win this year. The Vols always play South Carolina tough and they know they can beat the Gamecocks. Spurrier will right the ship, though, and this game will be a battle. If Mike Davis is healthy, the interior of UT’s defense will be exposed. For Tennessee to get a victory, they’ll have to expose SC’s shaky secondary and outscore Spurrier’s squad. Until I see more consistency from Vol quarterbacks, that’s not something I can count on. Winner: South Carolina
