COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tennessee erased a 14-point deficit and appeared positioned to escape Williams-Brice Stadium with another SEC victory. Instead, costly mistakes and a late turnover allowed South Carolina to steal a 27-24 win Saturday.
The Gamecocks tied the game with 1:17 remaining before Dylan Stewart forced a George MacIntyre fumble. South Carolina capitalized with a 48-yard field goal as time expired. It marked the first walk-off win versus a ranked opponent under Shane Beamer.
Here are three takeaways from Tennessee’s loss.
1. Three touchdowns erased, and Tennessee couldn’t finish
Tennessee had opportunities to take control, but penalties repeatedly erased its best offensive plays.
An illegal shift negated a 35-yard touchdown pass to Da’Saahn Brame in the first quarter. Offsetting penalties later wiped out a 48-yard scoring strike to Mike Matthews.
The most costly mistake came in the fourth quarter when MacIntyre found Braylon Staley in the end zone on third-and-12. A holding penalty against David Sanders Jr. erased the touchdown, forcing Tennessee to settle for a Cooper Ranvier field goal and a 24-17 lead.
The Vols later failed to convert fourth-and-1 following a timeout, giving South Carolina another opportunity.
Then came the decisive turnover. With 33 seconds remaining, Stewart beat Jesse Perry off the edge, who couldn’t get his feet set, and forced a MacIntyre fumble, setting up the winning field goal.
Tennessee’s mistakes directly affected the scoreboard. Tennessee had 12 penalties for 90 yards, eight of which came on offense.
Everything Josh Heupel said after the 27-24 loss to South Carolina.
2. LaNorris Sellers proved why South Carolina’s offense was dangerous
South Carolina’s rushing attack was a major concern entering Saturday, and Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin highlighted its improvement during Friday’s Live Ball pregame show.
“It’s the best O-line that they’ve had since I’ve been here,” Kesin said.
That improved protection, combined with Sellers’ physicality and ability to extend plays, presented a difficult matchup for Tennessee.
Sellers helped South Carolina jump ahead 14-0 on its first two possessions, including a long touchdown run after escaping pressure.
Tennessee adjusted, recording five sacks and using Qua Moss to help contain the quarterback. Xavier Gilliam’s pressure also contributed to a TJ Metcalf interception.
But Sellers delivered when it mattered.
Trailing 24-17, he broke free for a 22-yard gain before fighting through three defenders at the goal line for the tying touchdown with 1:17 remaining.
On South Carolina’s final possession, another Sellers scramble moved the Gamecocks back into field-goal range following a false start.
Tennessee generated pressure. It simply couldn’t finish enough tackles against a quarterback capable of turning broken plays into decisive gains.
3. DeSean Bishop delivered, but Tennessee needed more offensively
DeSean Bishop continued his impressive season with a fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance, bringing his season total to 957 yards.
His physicality helped Tennessee respond after falling behind 14-0. Bishop capped an 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive before Da’Saahn Brame tied the game with a short rushing score.
Mike Matthews later gave Tennessee its first lead on an 8-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds remaining in the first half.
But the Vols struggled to sustain that momentum.
MacIntyre missed an open Matthews near the goal line and faced pressure throughout the second half. Tennessee also failed to capitalize on several opportunities to create separation, despite holding South Carolina scoreless in the third quarter.
Bishop gave the offense consistency, finsihed with 120 yards on 32 carries and a score. However, Tennessee’s inability to finish drives ultimately overshadowed his production.
The Vols showed resilience in erasing their largest deficit of the season and outscoring South Carolina 21-3.
What they couldn’t do was close out the game and similar to 2022’s outcome it ended with Gamecock fans storming the field inside William-Brice Stadium.
Tennessee now 6-2 enters its bye week.
