Tennessee vs. South Carolina Prediction: Week 8 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Oct. 24)
My best Tennessee vs. South Carolina prediction focuses on how the SEC's top two rushing attacks will fare in this matchup. Below, I explain why South Carolina has the advantage over No. 11 Tennessee because its run defense has been so effective this season.
South Carolina is favored by 2.5 points ahead of Saturday's 3:30 p.m. ET game at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. The game will air on ESPN and stream on Disney+.
Tennessee vs. South Carolina picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 8 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina -2.5 | -110 via FanDuel | 1.5 units to profit 1.37 units |
| Under 50.5 | -110 via DraftKings | 1 unit to profit 0.91 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: +2.28 units
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Tennessee vs. South Carolina prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
South Carolina -2.5 (-110 via FanDuel)
South Carolina is averaging 232.3 rushing yards per game, which leads the SEC and ranks 10th in the country. The offense is also averaging 5.98 yards per carry.
Tennessee's rush defense has been decent, ranking ninth in the SEC in yards allowed per game. However, opponents are averaging 3.77 yards per carry, which ranks outside the top 50 nationally.
But where South Carolina really gains an advantage is with its rush defense. The Gamecocks rank third in the SEC in rushing yards allowed per game, which could cause trouble for Tennessee's rushing attack, which ranks second in the SEC in rushing yards per game. The best way to beat South Carolina is to throw against them, but Tennessee ranks dead last in the SEC in passing yards per game.
📡 SBR Edge: Tennessee's pass-rush
One of Tennessee's biggest strengths is its ability to get after the quarterback. Tennessee leads the SEC with 30 sacks. However, South Carolina is allowing just 1.67 sacks per game, and since the Gamecocks run the ball nearly 39 times per game, Tennessee won't have as many opportunities as usual.
Big plays could be the difference in this game
Tennessee has the most runs of 10 or more yards in the SEC. However, South Carolina's defense has allowed the fewest such plays, giving up just 14 this season. Additionally, South Carolina has allowed just six runs of 20 or more yards and only two of 30 or more.
Additionally, South Carolina is tied for the fifth-most runs of 10 or more yards and leads the conference with eight 30-yard runs, seven 40-yard runs, and six 50-yard runs. In this matchup, I trust South Carolina to break off more chunk plays, as Tennessee has allowed the most 10- and 20-yard runs in the SEC.
Play to: South Carolina -2.5
Score prediction: South Carolina 24 Tennessee 21
Live Tennessee vs. South Carolina odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Tennessee vs. South Carolina page.
Tennessee vs. South Carolina opening odds
- Moneyline: Tennessee -144 | South Carolina +122
- Spread: Tennessee -2.5 (-115) | South Carolina +2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 52.5 (-110) | Under 52.5 (-110)
Tennessee vs. South Carolina weather
Weather should have no impact on this game. There is no rain in the forecast, and sustained winds are expected to be around just 8 mph.
Latest Tennessee vs. South Carolina injuries
- Tennessee: Wendell Moe Jr. (OL) — OUT (season)
- Tennessee: Edrees Farooq (S) — OUT (knee)
- Tennessee: Ethan Davis (TE) — OUT (knee)
- South Carolina: Quay'sheed Scott (DB) — Doubtful
- South Carolina: Carter Miller (C) — Questionable (expected to play)
- South Carolina: Kobby Sakyi-Prah (EDGE) — OUT
How to watch Tennessee vs. South Carolina: Week 8
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Williams-Brice Stadium (Columbia, S.C.)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN/Disney+
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