South Carolina enters Saturday’s matchup against No. 11 Tennessee with a 3-3 record. However, the Gamecocks have several advantages that could make the Vols’ trip to Columbia difficult.
South Carolina has developed one of the SEC’s most productive rushing attacks, while quarterback LaNorris Sellers appears to be finding his rhythm under offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin joined Friday’s edition of Live Ball to discuss the Gamecocks’ strengths, defensive vulnerabilities and the matchups that could determine Saturday’s outcome.
Sellers finding his rhythm
Sellers remains the centerpiece of South Carolina’s offense, particularly because of his ability to extend plays and gain additional yards after contact.
Kesin believes the quarterback’s performance against Florida offered a glimpse of the player South Carolina expected to see this season.
“LaNorris is really hard to tackle, even when it’s a scramble and it doesn’t look like he’s going to get much,” Kesin said. “Just the extra yardage he can get, it makes a difference.”
Sellers is working with his third offensive coordinator in three seasons, something Kesin believes contributed to his early inconsistencies.
His improvement against Florida could provide momentum heading into Tennessee’s matchup.
A rushing attack built on physicality
South Carolina’s rushing success extends beyond Sellers.
Running back Matt Fuller has emerged as a dependable option, averaging 80 yards per game. Jawarn Howell and Penn State transfer Jabree Coleman provide additional depth.
Kesin credits an improved offensive line and stronger perimeter blocking for the Gamecocks’ production.
“It’s the best O-line that they’ve had since I’ve been here,” Kesin said.
Fuller’s ability to create yards after contact also makes him difficult to contain.
“I think Fuller has a little bit of Lenore in him in the sense that, like, you think he’s about to get tackled, and then he gains an extra couple yards,” Kesin said.
The matchup places added emphasis on Tennessee’s tackling and defensive discipline.
Defensive concerns against Bishop and Tennessee’s receivers
While South Carolina has been productive offensively, its defense faces significant challenges against Tennessee.
Running back DeSean Bishop enters Saturday with 837 rushing yards, needing 163 more to reach 1,000 for the season.
Kesin believes slowing Bishop will require a collective effort from the Gamecocks’ defensive front.
South Carolina could benefit from the returns of defensive linemen Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and Julian Walker, who have missed time with injuries.
“Bishop’s going to be really hard for South Carolina,” Kesin said.
The Gamecocks also have questions in their secondary.
Kesin said coverage breakdowns contributed to earlier losses, particularly against Alabama and Mississippi State.
South Carolina showed improvement against Florida, generating takeaways after struggling to create turnovers earlier in the season.
Still, Kesin believes Tennessee could find opportunities through the air if MacIntyre is willing to challenge the defense.
What decides the game?
Despite South Carolina’s rushing production, Kesin believes the outcome could ultimately depend on Sellers’ decision-making.
The quarterback has struggled with interceptions at times, and Tennessee’s defense has consistently capitalized on opponents’ mistakes.
Kesin said Sellers must balance his ability to create explosive plays with protecting possession.
“Can he trust his receivers and can he trust himself to play clean football?” Kesin said.
“Because I think at the end of the day, you win the turnover battle, you win this game.”
South Carolina will have the benefit of an extra week of preparation, while Tennessee is playing its eighth consecutive game before an open date.
For the Gamecocks, the challenge is turning their offensive production into a complete performance against one of the SEC’s most effective defenses.
