Originally Posted by
Furt
Its a classic matchup of an offense team in Tenn vs a Defensive team in SC... I think SCs defense will prevail.
Defense Defense Defense... Tennessee gives up 33 a game while SC gives up 15 while they both avg around 30. South Carolina is 9-1 ATS on the road in their last 10. They play well on the road (winning at Georgia and playing LSU tough). I will say SC's defense against the run is shaky but that make up for that in their secondary(best pass defense in the nation). Add to that that Tennessee's receiving core is banged up(2 of their top 3 are questionable)
Also, The Vols give up 250 yards through the air... it will be up to Smelley to take advantage of that but with Spurrier at the helm I think they can. The Vols big problem is a lack of pressure on the QB, getting just 1.2 sacks a game.
Tennessee's pass protection is second to none but if the Gamecocks can get even a little pressure on Ainge, make him hurry a bit, I think Ainge will struggle against the tight SC secondary.
I realize, the pick is a little bit out there on a limb, considering its a night game at home for the Vols. But I think you'll see SC pull it out