South Carolina Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Shane Lunnen
The second half of the season begins with a tough road trip to Knoxville. South Carolina upset the Vols last year in Columbia so Tennessee will be looking for revenge this year.
Tennessee must find a way to replace Joshua Dobbs and that will be tough to do. It’s a two man race in camp between Quinten Dormady and Jared Guarantano. By this point in the season, the Vols should have their man under center and sticking with one guy.
John Kelly will be the featured back, but the depth behind him is thin. The same can be said about the depth in the receiving corps. Jauan Jennings is one of the best receiving threats in the SEC, but behind him are unproven guys with question marks.
The Vols defense is fairly good, but the run defense needs to improve. South Carolina will find ways to score here, but not sure it will be enough for victory. Tennessee will have two weeks to prepare and scheme against the Gamecocks strengths and that will be just enough for the Vols to earn the win.
It will be a tight match-up with a tie ballgame going into the fourth quarter. Jake Bentley plays well except for throwing a costly interception in the fourth quarter, which Tennessee turns into a touchdown and they tack on an a field goal for good measure.
Final: South Carolina 20, Tennessee 30 (5-2, 3-2 SEC)