Gamecocks Favored By 3 Over Volunteers

NFL News - October 29th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Tennessee will look to improve on their roller coaster season as they host No. 21 South Carolina on Saturday. The Gamecocks (6-2, 3-2) have not won on the road since October of last year and have not won impressively this season. They are coming off a fourth quarter comeback win over Vanderbilt last week 14-10 and their two previous SEC wins were by a combined total of 8 points. Tennessee is coming off a 12-10 heartbreaking loss to Alabama last Saturday. The Volunteers lost to the Gamecocks 27-6 in their meeting last year.

The Gamecocks are not having the success they anticipated under a Steve Spurrier offense this year and are averaging 23 points per game, which is 97th in the nation. They are led on offense by Stephen Garcia. Garcia has thrown for 1,794 yards and 11 touchdowns. Kenny Miles is their leader on the ground with 410 yards and 1 touchdown. Garcia has done a great job of spreading the ball around and Alshon Jeffery, Moe Brown, and Tori Gurley have been his favorite targets. They have combined for 1,085 yards and 8 touchdowns. South Carolina has done well with not turning the ball over and this will be key against a strong Tennessee defense.

South Carolina's defense has been impressive this year and is an important part to their team's success. They are ranked 14th in the nation in total defense and have only allowed their opponents to top the 20 point mark twice this season. The Volunteers will have a hard time through the air as the Gamecocks are 3rd in the nation in pass defense.

Tennessee's offense is continuing to improve each week. Their offense is anchored by running back Montario Hardesty who has rushed for 720 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Volunteers passing attack is getting better under the direction of quarterback Jonathan Crompton. He has passed for 1,475 yards and 14 touchdowns, but has thrown 11 interceptions on the year. He will be tested on Saturday against a strong passing defensive team in South Carolina.

The Volunteers are equally as impressive on the defensive side of the ball and are 10th in the nation in total defense. They have played extremely well in their last two games and held Georgia and Alabama out of the end zone. If they can continue this type of effort, they have a great shot in upsetting the Gamecocks.

South Carolina comes into the game as 3 point favorites according to BetUS sportsbook and will look to climb the ladder in the NCAA College Football Standings.

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