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South Carolina fans have had November 1st circled on their calendar since last October. Last season, an injury to Connor Shaw, incredible catch by Marquez North, and some questionable play calling led to a last second field goal by the Vols, giving Butch Jones the signature win he desperately needed. While South Carolina would not drop another game all season, the loss to Tennessee proved extremely costly, allowing Missouri to represent the East in Atlanta.
Just how bad was the loss to Tennessee last year? Well, UT hadn't beaten a ranked opponent since the 2009 season, having lost 16 of their last 18 SEC games. Unfortunately for Volunteer fans, the win over Carolina didn't mean a turnaround for the Tennessee program, as they are just 1-8 in the SEC since.
Carolina will be breaking out the great looking, while unlucky, black jerseys in an attempt to motivate a team that has watched the majority of it's preseason goals slip away. A little Black Magic would go a long way ensuring South Carolina goes bowling, not to mention getting some revenge against a bad Tennessee team.
How to witness
Kickoff
7:30 p.m. ET, Williams-Brice Stadium (Columbia, SC)
Television broadcast
Channel: SEC Network
Play-by-play: Tom Hart
Analysis: Matt Stinchcomb
Sideline: Heather Mitts
Radio broadcast
Channel: Gamecock IMG Sports Network
Play-by-play: Todd Ellis
Analysis: Tommy Suggs
Sideline: Langston Moore
The numbers
Rankings and records: South Carolina is 4-4 (2-4) and is unranked in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. Tennessee is 3-5 (0-4), and is also unranked in both polls.
Vegas: South Carolina is an 8-point favorite.
Weather forecast: Upper 40's, rain possible.
What's at stake
You wouldn't know it by looking at both these team's records, but this game is really important to both. While both teams have said bye-bye to competing for the SEC East, going to a bowl is a reasonable goal for each. The loss to Tennessee last year was, in a word, brutal. This game defines ‘revenge game', and if there is one thing Spurrier loves, it's getting revenge on his SEC counterparts. Should USC lose this game, there may not a bowl game to prepare for in December.
Two big matchups
South Carolina Defensive Line vs. Tennessee Offensive Line: It's no secret that South Carolina's defensive line has been pretty bad this season. How bad you ask? Idaho, Eastern Michigan, UMass, and Kansas have more sacks than USC. Yeah, that's bad, folks. Fortunately, we don't have to face an offensive line like Auburn each week. Unlike the past couple years, UT doesn't have a great offensive line to lean on. If Coach Ward can't find a way to pressure the QB, and get some tackles for loss today, it might not happen at all this season.
Mike Davis vs. A.J. Johnson: This is a very exciting matchup, as both these men will be playing on Sundays sooner rather than later. Johnson, who leads the conference in tackles, is probably the SEC's best linebacker. He will be gunning for Davis every time he touches the ball, and there should be some epic clashes between the two.