Tennessee football failed to hold a halftime lead against South Carolina football, and you can bet the pitch forks will be out in full-force in Knoxville this week.
If Butch Jones’ job was on thin ice prior to Saturday’s game, you’d have to believe it’s on life support following a 15-9 loss to the Gamecocks, dropping Tennessee to 3-3 on the year.
Tennessee had two chances to win with ball on the Gamecocks’ 3-yard line, but Jarrett Gurarntano‘s pass on second down was knocked down, and on third down fell incomplete.
The South Carolina offense finally found a groove in the second half. A 95-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter even the score at 9-9. Quarterback Jake Bentley found rhythm and his receivers stepped up and made plays.
Tennessee on the other hand, fell apart offensively over the final two quarters. The Vols ground game was virtually non-existent. Jarrett Guarantano‘s dual-threat ability gave Tennessee a lift in the first half. However, the holes closed quickly in a second half dominated by the Gamecocks’ defense.
It’s safe to say offensive line play on both sides leaved plenty to be desired. Going forward both teams will need much-improved play up front for hopes of a solid final month of the season.
What can we learn from another lethargic performance from Tennessee? How will the road win impact South Carolina down the stretch? Here are three takeaways from the Week 7 game.