One big thing the Tennessee Vols will need to watch for against South Carolina
The Tennessee Volsshouldn't have many issues with the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday night in Columbia. South Carolina has lost two of its last three games, they have the No. 68 scoring offense and the No. 68 scoring defense in the nation, and Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer admitted this week that Florida's tempo gave […]
The Tennessee Volsshouldn't have many issues with the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday night in Columbia.
South Carolina has lost two of its last three games, they have the No. 68 scoring offense and the No. 68 scoring defense in the nation, and Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer admitted this week that Florida's tempo gave his team trouble last weekend.
In other words, this is a bad matchup for South Carolina. If they struggled against Florida's tempo, they're going to think they're stuck in a nightmare when they play the Vols.
There is one thing in this game, however, that could give Tennessee some issues.
Beamer, much like his dad, legendary former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, isn't afraid to break out a trick play on special teams.
The Gamecocks' only touchdown last week against Florida came on a well-executed fake punt.
Now, I'm sure you're thinking "well that's just one play and Tennessee's offense is going to score at least 50 points".
That's certainly a fair reaction.
However, I could see Beamer trying a fake punt early when the game is still within reach. If the Vols are up 7-0 and South Carolina hits a fake punt for a score, the crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium will come alive and go crazy.
The atmosphere in Columbia can be elite. I don't think it'll touch what Tennessee saw in Athens a couple of weeks ago, but it can still be challenging (the loud crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium helped a lot in the Gamecocks' win against Texas A&M earlier this season).
For Tennessee to put this game away, they'll need to take the crowd out of the equation.
The Vols can't assume this will be an easy win. South Carolina is going to claw and fight after their embarrassing loss to Florida last week. They'll be motivated to prove they're not getting left behind in the SEC East.
Tennessee will need to play at a high level and they'll need to be alert on special teams.
In fact, the Vols would be wise to be in "safe mode" on every punt and field goal attempt and they should keep an eye on the possibility of an onside kick, too. Tennessee doesn't need to worry about setting up a return or all-out block. If they're playing well on offense, field position shouldn't matter too much. Focusing on stopping any potential fakes is the approach they need to take.
The Vols should leave Columbia with a win, but to make sure that happens, they need to treat this game like it's the biggest game they've played all season.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
