Tennessee vs. South Carolina: Why the Vols Are Underrated

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Tennessee Viewed as Underrated Against Favored South Carolina

South Carolina enters its home matchup with Tennessee as a 2.5-point favorite following a bye. The spot may appear attractive, but the number demands closer scrutiny. South Carolina is laying the same number it laid against a Kentucky team that drew little confidence at the time.

Tennessee’s performance against Alabama should not be dismissed. Alabama entered the game averaging around 50 points per game after recording 17 points and 346 yards of offense against Georgia. In Knoxville, Alabama finished with 10 points, none in the second half, and 201 yards of offense.

Regardless of whether Faison Brandon or George McIntyre is involved, Tennessee has made its identity clear. It is currently one of the best defensive teams in college football, yet the Volunteers appear to be getting widely disrespected in this matchup.

The case for South Carolina is based largely on the situation: an unranked home favorite coming off a bye against a ranked Tennessee team following a major win. However, betting solely on spots and systems can create too much noise. The better approach is to evaluate the teams themselves.

South Carolina delivered an impressive road performance against Florida, but that was its only strong game of the season. Before that victory, the Gamecocks had allowed roughly 41.5 points per game during a three-game losing streak, and that stretch did not come against Alabama, LSU and Ohio State.

Lenore Sellers has thrown 13 touchdowns and four interceptions this season, but he has not faced a defense like Tennessee’s. The Volunteers have allowed 14 points per game over their past five contests, including four SEC games, and held Alabama to 10 points. They rank 10th nationally and lead the SEC in scoring defense and total defense.

Tennessee has not produced a great passing offense, but it averages 215 rushing yards per game. The Volunteers can control the clock and run the ball effectively, as they showed against Alabama.

With such a low spread, the matchup should be judged by the quality of the teams rather than treated as an automatic system play. Tennessee dominated Alabama, could have beaten Georgia and now enters as a 2.5-point underdog against South Carolina. The conclusion is that Tennessee is underrated and capable of winning outright, making this one of the week’s most disrespectful lines.