Tennessee Rebuffs South Carolina, Gets First SEC Win
The Florida loss was a tough moment for the Tennessee Volunteers. It felt frustrating amidst a mass roster overhaul, with some questioning if they would be able to reclaim what they did in 2022. The Gators are considered to be in the bottom-half of the conference, and they looked far surperior to the Vols that night. That changed on Saturday evening when the South Carolina Gamecocks came to town.
Let's make no mistake - South Carolina is a three-loss football team that may end up winning 8-9 football games. They have lost to Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, three high-caliber programs that are currently ranked. With that being said, Tennessee was clearly surperior on Saturday night, and it wasn't because of a high-octane passing attack or big plays - it was because they imprinted their will on the game.
Tennessee ran the football with tempo and pace, finishing their blocks and playing with an attitude. It set up some play-pass concepts over the middle for quarterback Joe Milton III to hit. Milton didn't play an outstanding game, but outside of a bad decision in the first half that led to an interception, his play was fairly even.
Tennessee really made its mark on defense. The front-seven pressured quarterback Spencer Rattler and got him off his spot, sacking him several times and forcing several other errant throws. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was the player of the game, getting two sacks and countless other big plays. Tennessee now moves to 4-1 ahead of their bye, and on the other side they will play host to Texas A&M.
Tennessee Volunteers HC Josh Heupel during the win over South Carolina. (Photo by Randy Sartin of USA Today Sports)
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