COLUMBIA: It’s State Fair week in Columbia as the Gamecocks begin the second half of their season against the 11th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. USC, fresh off its bye week, enters the game at 3-3 overall and 1-3 in the SEC following a 38-19 win at Florida on October 10th. Meantime, Tennessee comes to Columbia with some confidence after dismantling Alabama 26-10 last weekend in Knoxville. The Vols are 6-1 on the season and 3-1 in the SEC.

This will be the 43rd meeting between the Gamecocks and Volunteers in a series that dates back to 1903. Tennessee leads the all-time series 29-11-2, including a 19-3 advantage in Knoxville and a 10-8-2 mark in Columbia. USC defeated Tennessee just three times in a 105-year period from 1903 to 2007 but has won eight times in the last 16 years, from 2008 to 2023, including four of the last eight contests.

Las Vegas is somewhat conflicted regarding a favorite for Saturday’s game, though South Carolina is currently (Tuesday) a 2.5-point favorite. Kickoff for the matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium is set for 3:30pm on ESPN.

Key Comments From Shane Beamer

• Bye week came at a great time for rest and recovery, including mentally. Coaches got out recruiting late last week.
• Defensively Tennessee is “lights out” on all 3 levels. DC Jim Knowles “can’t get away from him,” despite moving to many college programs Knowles always seems to show up with opponent.
• Vols under HC Josh Heupel have always been physical, this season with a strong running game it’s even more noticeable. WR’s “trying to kill people” when blocking on running plays … and I say that in a respectful way.”
• Regarding the 24 team playoff. No real solid thoughts on it. From stories he has seen looks like media doesn’t like it, but no discussion as SEC head coaches since last May.
• On USC self-scout during the off week: Pretty similar each year. They self scout throughout the season, but the staff can be a little bit more thorough during off week, go a little deeper into the analysis. They can “really dig in on whole areas as a team. Here’s what we do well … what to we do not do well.” Said the 3 coordinators then take the info and make plans to improve.
• Every player who was out for the Florida game (besides for the season) is back for the Tennessee game except DB Quay’sheed Scott.

USC HC Shane Beamer — Tuesday Press Conference