Josh Heupel is a history nerd.

The Tennessee football coach hasn’t been afraid to remind his team what’s at stake each week. He makes sure that when the guys enter the building on Monday, they understand the history of the Vols’ past with the opponent on deck.

He did it with Arkansas, letting them know Tennessee hasn’t emerged victorious from Fayetteville since 2001. It worked, and the Vols escaped with a 24-17 win.

He did it again with South Carolina looming. Recent history is rather scary for Tennessee to think about. But in order to keep history from repeating itself, being aware is the most important step.

Tennessee’s last trip to Columbia, South Carolina, spoiled a potential College Football Playoff berth. In the penultimate game of the regular season and holding a lone loss to No. 3 Georgia, the Vols succumbed to Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks, 63-38. Hendon Hooker also tore his ACL in the matchup, ending any Heisman campaign efforts while eliminating Tennessee from the four-team playoff.

“Understand the type of environment you’re getting into,” Heupel said about what he informed the team of. “Understand the approach of your opponent, and you’re stepping into the ring. You better understand your opponent. Be prepared to be your physical, mental and emotional, at your peak.”

Heupel’s presentation was a simple reminder.

“He showed us a picture of when they stormed the field out there and the type of energy that they’re going to bring,” receiver Mike Matthews said. “So just be prepared for that moment this week.”

Though a loss wouldn’t be as detrimental as it was four years ago, South Carolina remains a prototypical trap game for Tennessee. The Vols are coming off an emotional rivalry win, and right in the thick of playoff conversations again.

South Carolina has disappointed this season, but it proved to be able to show up when it matters. The Gamecocks slaughtered Florida the last time on the field, 38-19. They’re now coming off a refreshing bye week with the talent to be able to knock Tennessee off again.

Quarterback LaNorris Sellars has commanded Day 1 NFL Draft hype, but his production has struggled to match it. When he’s on, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. When he’s struggling, he’s borderline unplayable.

Sellars has 12 passing touchdowns and four picks this season. He’s rushed for another 411 yards and two touchdowns. The junior dual-threat quarterback is coming off a five-touchdown game against Florida.

On the defensive side of the ball, Dylan Stewart is a menacing first-round edge prospect if he can pass the character test. Stewart was suspended for a game for punching an Alabama player and arguing with coaches. His suspension was lifted before the Gamecocks battled Florida. Stewart has one sack and two forced fumbles this season.

When the Vols take the field at Williams-Brice Stadium, the focus will be on the Gamecocks. All the emotions from Alabama are already in the past.

“It's already flushed down the toilet,” cornerback Kayin Lee said.

Source: Yahoo Sports