nicksjuzunk
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Tennessee is fresh off of what is probably their most complete performance of the season; a thorough dismantling of a Kentucky team that once again had hopes of finally getting Tennessee off of it's back. South Carolina's coach quit mid-season. You could say things are looking up.
South Carolina may not be winning many games, but it is not for lack of effort. Shawn Elliot is a fiery coach, and has them playing inspired football, but the talent level has been unraveling in Columbia in recent years. They are not without playmakers, but the talent across the board is not up to par with Tennessee.
Keys to Victory:
1. Win the Ground: Both teams rely heavily on the running game. RB Brandon Wilds can be a handful, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Last year, he torched the Vols with big plays, averaging 17.9 yards per carry, including the 70 yarder that appeared to be the back breaker, before the Vols launched college football's greatest comeback of the season. QB Lorenzo Nunez offers a dual threat, which is often our downfall, but currently he is not the starter, so let's see if that becomes an issue.
USC had no answer for Dobbs last year, who entrenched himself as the starter with an outstanding 301 yard passing and 166 yard performance. USC seems to have not learned their lesson. They let A&M QB Kyler Muaray run for 156 last week. Dobbs should eat, again.
Hurd also notched 125 on the ground behind a much worse offensive line. Look for the Vols to establish the run game, and for Dobbs to exploit the defense for miles of yardage. If Kamara sees his touches increase, he will also add to the carnage. The fact is... Tennessee's running game can beat you from many angles. By the way, USC is 111 in rushing defense. Against their solid SEC competiton (LSU, UGA, A&M) they have given up over 1,000 yards. :whistling:
2. Pharoh, don't let your people throw: WR Pharoh Cooper is one of the best in the SEC. Last season, he amassed 233 yards on 11 catches, plus some rushing yards. This season, he has been limited to 44 catches due to poor QB play, but make no mistake, if he is open, they will throw. And if they throw, Pharoh will let our defense go.
The Vol secondary has had it's issues, but the introduction of Justin Martin into the line-up has seemed to make a huge difference, not only in coverage, but in DL play due to coverage. Depending on how Jancek plays this out, whether having a DB follow Pharoh, which has not been his preferred style, or just have the man on top of him take care of it, Martin will receive his biggest test of the season.
3. Home Sweet Home: USC hasn't won a road game all season. The Tennessee fanbase is re-energized, expecting to win out, and hasn't seen the Vols at home since the epic UGA comeback. Yeah, good luck with all of that.
4. Air it out... just enough: Dobbs does not need to win this game through the air, but the box can't be stacked either. Lately, the Tennessee WR's have been playing much better, especially the recent emergence of Josh Malone, who suddenly seems to like football. It hasn't been easy, but if I told you in July that North and Pig would have a total of 6 catches by this point in the season, you would have expected some growing pains.
Look for Tennessee to continue to utilize the mid-range passing game and the usual screens and rub plays. Pearson has been reliable and will continue to be a big 3rd down target, even is he is just keeping the chains moving. Last season, Dobbs was able to find large chunks of yardage (21, 24, 31, 42) and his mobility may see some guys break open as he extends the play.
5. Return Game: Don't look for Evan Berry to get any work this week. USC has only allowed 11 kicks to be returned, and for a stingy 18 yard average. They will kick it out of the stadium every chance they get. They fare about the same in the punt return game as well. If the Vols get anything out of these areas, it's a bonus. I don't think this is a true "key to victory" since I think it will be a non-factor but is worth discussing, since we have been outstanding here.
Prediction: The Vols have another solid performance and put away USC without a great deal of trouble. Wilds and Pharoh make their noise, but Tennessee abuses USC on the ground, and Dobbs has an outstanding day.
TN 38
USC 27
South Carolina may not be winning many games, but it is not for lack of effort. Shawn Elliot is a fiery coach, and has them playing inspired football, but the talent level has been unraveling in Columbia in recent years. They are not without playmakers, but the talent across the board is not up to par with Tennessee.
Keys to Victory:
1. Win the Ground: Both teams rely heavily on the running game. RB Brandon Wilds can be a handful, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Last year, he torched the Vols with big plays, averaging 17.9 yards per carry, including the 70 yarder that appeared to be the back breaker, before the Vols launched college football's greatest comeback of the season. QB Lorenzo Nunez offers a dual threat, which is often our downfall, but currently he is not the starter, so let's see if that becomes an issue.
USC had no answer for Dobbs last year, who entrenched himself as the starter with an outstanding 301 yard passing and 166 yard performance. USC seems to have not learned their lesson. They let A&M QB Kyler Muaray run for 156 last week. Dobbs should eat, again.
Hurd also notched 125 on the ground behind a much worse offensive line. Look for the Vols to establish the run game, and for Dobbs to exploit the defense for miles of yardage. If Kamara sees his touches increase, he will also add to the carnage. The fact is... Tennessee's running game can beat you from many angles. By the way, USC is 111 in rushing defense. Against their solid SEC competiton (LSU, UGA, A&M) they have given up over 1,000 yards. :whistling:
2. Pharoh, don't let your people throw: WR Pharoh Cooper is one of the best in the SEC. Last season, he amassed 233 yards on 11 catches, plus some rushing yards. This season, he has been limited to 44 catches due to poor QB play, but make no mistake, if he is open, they will throw. And if they throw, Pharoh will let our defense go.
The Vol secondary has had it's issues, but the introduction of Justin Martin into the line-up has seemed to make a huge difference, not only in coverage, but in DL play due to coverage. Depending on how Jancek plays this out, whether having a DB follow Pharoh, which has not been his preferred style, or just have the man on top of him take care of it, Martin will receive his biggest test of the season.
3. Home Sweet Home: USC hasn't won a road game all season. The Tennessee fanbase is re-energized, expecting to win out, and hasn't seen the Vols at home since the epic UGA comeback. Yeah, good luck with all of that.
4. Air it out... just enough: Dobbs does not need to win this game through the air, but the box can't be stacked either. Lately, the Tennessee WR's have been playing much better, especially the recent emergence of Josh Malone, who suddenly seems to like football. It hasn't been easy, but if I told you in July that North and Pig would have a total of 6 catches by this point in the season, you would have expected some growing pains.
Look for Tennessee to continue to utilize the mid-range passing game and the usual screens and rub plays. Pearson has been reliable and will continue to be a big 3rd down target, even is he is just keeping the chains moving. Last season, Dobbs was able to find large chunks of yardage (21, 24, 31, 42) and his mobility may see some guys break open as he extends the play.
5. Return Game: Don't look for Evan Berry to get any work this week. USC has only allowed 11 kicks to be returned, and for a stingy 18 yard average. They will kick it out of the stadium every chance they get. They fare about the same in the punt return game as well. If the Vols get anything out of these areas, it's a bonus. I don't think this is a true "key to victory" since I think it will be a non-factor but is worth discussing, since we have been outstanding here.
Prediction: The Vols have another solid performance and put away USC without a great deal of trouble. Wilds and Pharoh make their noise, but Tennessee abuses USC on the ground, and Dobbs has an outstanding day.
TN 38
USC 27
