The Southeastern Conference is a total mess this season, as every week any team can beat anyone.

Just a week ago, we saw the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs lose to the unranked Auburn Tigers while the Florida Gators beat the Texas Longhorns, and the Tennessee Volunteers dominated the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Every SEC team now has at least one loss, and we could have multiple two- or three-loss teams atop the standings. One team that has played a role in that is the South Carolina Gamecocks.

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South Carolina is 3-3 and is coming off its bye week. The week before, they dominated the Gators on the road for a massive upset after losing to Kentucky in overtime.

At 3-3, South Carolina likely won’t be making the college football playoff, but could very well be playing a big role in which teams from the SEC do make the playoffs.

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The Gamecocks will host the Volunteers on Saturday in a pivotal SEC showdown. Tennessee is coming off an emotional win over Alabama at home, so this could be a letdown spot for the Vols.

Tennessee already has one loss, and still has to play Kentucky and LSU, which aren’t easy games. So, the Volunteers need to win this game and then split those games to likely earn a playoff berth.

Yet, despite Tennessee coming off a thrilling win over Alabama, South Carolina is a 2.5-point favorite at home against the Vols. If the Gamecocks can get a big win at home, it would be a statement win, and would flip the SEC on its head again.

If South Carolina can beat 11th-ranked Tennessee, it will hurt the Vols’ playoff hopes. And it also hurts the SEC’s chances of getting numerous teams into the playoff, as right now, Georgia is the only team I think will finish with one loss, and then there could be several three-loss teams.

Ahead of the season, South Carolina vs. Tennessee wasn’t expected to be a big game, but it has major playoff implications.

South Carolina dominated Tennessee at home last time

Oct 10, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer looks on before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer looks on before a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

South Carolina vs. Tennessee is an under-the-radar rivalry, and the Vols have struggled in Columbia.

The last time Tennessee went to South Carolina was in 2022, which is one of the biggest wins of Shane Beamer’s career as the Gamecocks’ head coach. South Carolina upset the then No. 5-ranked Vols 63-38, as the Gamecocks ran out of touchdown fireworks.

Although Tennessee did get revenge in 2023, they haven’t played since then, so Beamer is eager to reignite the rivalry.

“I think I touched on it this morning for maybe five seconds in the team meeting, but it was more that you know, Tennessee hasn’t been in Columbia since 2022,” Beamer said on Oct. 20. “More important than reminiscing about that night is understanding how well we played that night in all three phases and preparing that way this week to go up against you know, a completely different Tennessee team that was a great challenge back in 2022. It’ll be a great challenge this Saturday also.”

Although South Carolina is unlikely to make the postseason, Beamer and the Gamecocks can end other teams’ seasons, and that starts with Tennessee on Saturday afternoon.

Kickoff between Tennessee and South Carolina is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Related: Predicting College Football Playoff after historic, upset-filled Week 7

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This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Yahoo Sports