Tennessee football is looking to continue its momentum on a road trip to South Carolina.

The No. 11 Vols (6-1, 3-1 SEC) are set for a showdown with the Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Tennessee will be playing its eight-straight week — fresh off an upset win over Alabama — while South Carolina is coming off a bye week.

The bye week for South Carolina, along with UT coming off of an emotional win over Alabama, has led the Gamecocks to be a trendy upset pick. The Vols are looking to go perfect in the month of October for the first time since 2022.

The Vols, meanwhile, have a three-game winning streak since losing to Texas in their SEC opener. Wins over Auburn and Arkansas lacked pizzazz, but that built up to an amazing performance in a dominating victory over Alabama.

"You've got to be on the right side of it in your preparation," UT head coach Josh Heupel said. "Certainly, understanding what you’re getting into. The fact that they got an extra week with the bye last week. Physically, they’ll be as fresh as you can be at this point in the season, extra week of preparation, road environment. So we’ve pointed to all those things with our team."

One thing Tennessee doesn't have this week is a quarterback controversy. George MacIntyre's effort against the Crimson Tide has left him solidly entrenched as the starter.

Saturday will pith the SEC's two best rushing attacks head-to-head.

The Gamecocks lead the league with 232.3 yards per game on the ground, and Tennessee is averaging 214.4. That rushing attack is led by DeSean Bishop's 6.02 yards per carry — a mark that's second in the SEC and 24th in the FBS. He has 10 rushing touchdowns and stands as the only player in the nation with at least 800 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

South Carolina's offense starts with quarterback LaNorris Sellers. He can be a force in the attack one minute, and a liability the next.

Tennessee has seen its share of dual-threat quarterbacks this season, but Sellers may be the only one who has a penchant to opt for the run first before he considers the pass.

  • Tennessee wins this game if it takes care of business. As long as the Vols play as they have so far this season, they should come out with a win. If turnovers become an issue and Tennessee's defense falters, a South Carolina win comes into play.
  • South Carolina wins this game if it forces turnovers and plays the clock. The Gamecock rushing attack means it could hold the ball and chew clock — a possible disaster for UT.

Source: Yahoo Sports