The 2023 season has already been a roller coaster for the No. 21-ranked Tennessee Vols, despite a 3-1 record. Fortunately, they’re favored against the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-2) on Saturday, Sept. 30, and we expect the team to notch a fourth victory in their belt. We’ve got the Tennessee vs. South Carolina odds and a betting preview for you this week. The Vols are back home at Neyland Stadium, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET. You can watch the action on ESPN.
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Tennessee vs. South Carolina Betting Preview
The Vols started their 2023 season with two wins that were nonetheless enough to make fans nervous about the team’s trajectory. While they handily defeated both Virginia (49-13) and Austin Peay (30-13), they looked less dominant against those far less-talented teams than they should have.
Then, fans’ fears were confirmed in a third-week, 29-16 loss to the Florida Gators in The Swamp. A solid win against UTSA last Saturday sees Tennessee heading back home to face an SEC competitor with a bit more confidence — and odds to match it.
Here’s what to keep an eye on for Saturday’s game.
Tennessee is out for revenge against South Carolina
While Tennessee is by far the better team this year — at least on paper — fans still see it as a revenge match against South Carolina. Last year, the Gamecocks beat the Vols 63-38, costing them a possible berth in the College Football Playoff.
This year again, the game could have playoff implications for the loser. Going down by two losses in the SEC is certainty to wave goodbye to an SEC East title.
The Vols are trending up, and the running game is their strength
Tennessee rallied well after its loss to Florida and is up two spots on the AP Poll College Football Rankings. They’re sitting one ahead of Florida, in fact, at No. 21, helped by their 45-14 win against UTSA and 3-1 record.
The Vols seem back on track after two mediocre performances against Austin Peay and Florida. Against UT-San Antonio, Tennessee picked up 512 yards, including 303 on the ground.
RB Dylan Sampson alone clocked in 139 rushing yards with two TDs. Sampson, along with Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small, should give the Vols the force they need to move the ball against the Gamecocks.
The team is averaging 229.5 running yards per game, which ranks them 8th in the country right now.
Note that QB Joe Milton had a rough tackle against UTSA and went to UT Medical Center the following day. But head coach Josh Heupel says the visit was precautionary, and Milton is good to go for Saturday’s matchup.
Tennessee vs. South Carolina Prediction
Tennessee should have this win in the bag, but we think that South Carolina might cover the spread, considering the importance of the game. You just never know what’s going to happen in an SEC matchup.
Prediction: Tennessee 35, South Carolina 28
