South Carolina vs. No. 11 Tennessee: How to Watch, Injuries, Series History and Prediction

South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 SEC) hosts No. 11 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) today at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks are coming off a bye after a 38-19 win at Florida.

How to watch

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: Gamecock Radio Network (107.5 in Columbia)
• Tip for fans: The South Carolina State Fair is across the street, so allow extra time.

Series history

Tennessee leads the series 27-11-2 and has won four of the last five. The Vols are just 2-6 in their last eight trips to Williams-Brice Stadium. They haven’t played since Tennessee’s 41-20 win in 2023. South Carolina won 63-38 in 2022 in the last game in Columbia.

2. Injury updates: Who could miss the game?

Injuries could have a meaningful effect on both teams, especially in the trenches and in the secondary. The following information reflects reports published ahead of kickoff, including the October 23 update; final availability can change.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Player	Position	Reported status
Quay’sheed Scott	Defensive back	Out
Carter Miller	Center	Probable in the latest report
Jawarn Howell	Running back	Doubtful
Jayden Sellers	Wide receiver	Out
Josiah Thompson	Offensive tackle	Out
Seth Smith	Offensive line	Out
Kobby Sakyi-Prah	Edge rusher	Out

Scott’s absence matters because he plays in the defensive backfield, where South Carolina must contain Tennessee’s passing attack. Miller’s availability is important for offensive-line stability and communication, particularly against a defense that wants to disrupt the quarterback and running game.

South Carolina also needs to manage its offensive-line depth with Thompson and Smith unavailable.

Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee’s reported season-ending absences include:

• Wendell Moe Jr. — offensive line
• Ethan Davis — tight end
• Joakim Dodson — wide receiver and return specialist
• Jaedon Harmon — linebacker
• Edrees Farooq — defensive back
• Dylan Lewis — defensive back
• Jadais Richard — cornerback

These absences affect multiple units, with the secondary and offensive line among the areas to monitor. Tennessee’s final availability report should be consulted for any additional changes before kickoff.

Injury takeaway: South Carolina needs its offensive line to provide enough protection for LaNorris Sellers and create room for the running game. Tennessee, meanwhile, must make sure its available defensive backs can handle South Carolina’s receivers and mobile quarterback.

The NCAA-recognized series record is listed as 27–11–2 because of historical record adjustments.

Recent meetings worth remembering

• 2023: Tennessee 41, South Carolina 20. The Volunteers won the most recent meeting in Knoxville.
• 2022: South Carolina 63, Tennessee 38. The Gamecocks produced a memorable offensive performance in Columbia.
• 2021: Tennessee 45, South Carolina 20. Tennessee won the meeting in Knoxville.
• 2020: Tennessee 31, South Carolina 27. The Volunteers edged the Gamecocks in Columbia.

Tennessee has won four of the last five meetings overall. However, the Volunteers have won only two of their last eight trips to Williams-Brice Stadium, according to the series preview published by Tennessee Athletics.

What this means: Tennessee has the stronger historical record, but that does not guarantee another win in Columbia. The 2022 result is a reminder that South Carolina can turn this matchup into a high-scoring contest when its offense finds its rhythm.

4. South Carolina players to watch

1. LaNorris Sellers — Quarterback

The offensive centerpiece

Sellers enters the game with 1,338 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns and four interceptions, while also contributing 411 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His ability to threaten defenses through the air and on the ground makes him one of the most important players in this matchup.

He has also improved his recent ball security, throwing six touchdown passes without an interception over his last two games, according to the game preview.

2. Matt Fuller — Running back

The ground-game catalyst

Fuller leads South Carolina with 485 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His ability to find gaps, gain yards after contact and keep the offense ahead of the chains will be important against Tennessee’s defense.

A productive running game would also help South Carolina control possession and reduce the pressure on Sellers to make every play himself.

3. Nyck Harbor — Wide receiver

The deep-threat option

Harbor leads the Gamecocks with 278 receiving yards and has recorded two touchdown catches. His speed can stretch the field and force Tennessee’s defensive backs to respect the deep pass.

If Tennessee focuses on stopping Fuller and containing Sellers, Harbor could benefit from opportunities downfield.

4. Dylan Stewart — Edge rusher

A key defensive disruptor

Stewart is one of South Carolina’s important defensive playmakers. He entered this matchup with two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

His ability to pressure Tennessee’s quarterback, disrupt timing and force hurried decisions could help South Carolina create crucial defensive stops.

Other Gamecocks to watch

Mazeo Bennett Jr. is another important receiving option, leading South Carolina with 25 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns. His connection with Sellers could be important on third downs and in the red zone.

Caleb Herring also deserves attention. The edge rusher began his college career at Tennessee before transferring to South Carolina. He has recorded two sacks for the Gamecocks this season, giving him an opportunity to make an impact against his former team.

5. Tennessee players to watch

1. DeSean Bishop — Running back

Tennessee’s leading rushing threat

Bishop has accumulated 837 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive running backs in the SEC entering this game.

Tennessee will likely look to establish its ground attack early. Bishop’s ability to gain consistent yardage will test a South Carolina defense that has been particularly effective against the run.

2. Georgie MacIntyre — Quarterback

A crucial decision-maker

MacIntyre started Tennessee’s two most recent games and helped the Volunteers defeat Alabama. He has recorded 592 passing yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

His composure against South Carolina’s pass rush will be important, particularly if the Gamecocks force Tennessee into obvious passing situations.

3. Faizon Brandon — Quarterback

The other quarterback to monitor

Brandon started Tennessee’s first five games and recorded 697 passing yards, seven touchdowns and one interception before his absence from recent action.

Tennessee’s coaching staff had not clearly settled the starting-quarterback question in the preview reports. South Carolina therefore had to prepare for both Brandon and MacIntyre. The final availability and starting announcement are important to check before kickoff.

4. Mike Matthews — Wide receiver

A receiver who can change the game

Matthews leads Tennessee with 481 receiving yards entering the matchup. His production makes him an important target for whichever quarterback starts.

South Carolina’s secondary must limit explosive plays and avoid allowing Matthews to create easy gains after the catch.

5. Amare Campbell — Linebacker

A defensive leader

Campbell leads Tennessee with 46 tackles. He recorded eight tackles, including two for loss, against Alabama.

His ability to read South Carolina’s run concepts, close gaps and limit Sellers’ rushing opportunities could be central to Tennessee’s defensive approach.

6. The biggest tactical battles

Battle 1: South Carolina’s rushing attack vs. Tennessee’s defense

South Carolina needs Fuller and Sellers to produce consistently on the ground. If Tennessee limits early-down rushing gains, the Gamecocks could face difficult third downs and predictable passing situations.

Battle 2: South Carolina’s run defense vs. DeSean Bishop

South Carolina entered the game allowing just 103.7 rushing yards per game, the SEC’s third-best mark according to Tennessee’s preview. Bishop’s production makes this a particularly important matchup.

If the Gamecocks contain Bishop, Tennessee may have to rely more heavily on its passing game.

Battle 3: Quarterback pressure and turnovers

Tennessee’s quarterback situation adds uncertainty, while South Carolina’s defensive front has players capable of generating pressure. The team that protects the football and avoids costly sacks or interceptions could gain a major advantage.

Battle 4: Home-field energy

Williams-Brice Stadium can be a challenging environment for visiting teams. South Carolina will want to use its home crowd to create early momentum, while Tennessee must remain composed if the Gamecocks start quickly.

7. Recent form: Which team enters with momentum?

Tennessee Volunteers

6–1 overall

Tennessee has won three consecutive SEC games following its loss to Texas, including a 26–10 victory over Alabama on October 17. The Volunteers arrive with confidence after a strong performance against a major conference rival.

South Carolina Gamecocks

3–3 overall

The Gamecocks are coming off a 38–19 road win over Florida and had a bye week to prepare for Tennessee. That break gave the team extra preparation time and an opportunity to recover ahead of a significant home matchup.

Tennessee owns the stronger overall record and arrives after defeating Alabama. South Carolina, however, has home-field advantage, recent success against Florida and a defense that could make Tennessee work for every rushing yard.

8. Who is favored to win?

The pregame outlook is not completely one-sided. Tennessee is ranked No. 11 nationally and has a 6–1 record, while South Carolina enters at 3–3. Those records and Tennessee’s recent victory over Alabama make the Volunteers a serious contender.

However, South Carolina’s home advantage, rushing defense and performance against Florida give the Gamecocks a credible path to winning.

One published ESPN Analytics estimate gave South Carolina a 40.1% chance of winning, indicating that the model leaned toward Tennessee at the time of that report. That is a pregame forecast, not a guarantee of the result.

What could decide the game?

• Tennessee’s path: Establish Bishop’s rushing attack, protect its quarterback and prevent Sellers from creating explosive plays with his legs.
• South Carolina’s path: Win the battle at the line of scrimmage, keep Tennessee’s running game under control, and turn Sellers’ dual-threat ability into sustained scoring drives.
• The swing factor: Turnovers and third-down efficiency. Giving away possessions or repeatedly failing to convert third downs could prove decisive for either team.

Overall assessment: Tennessee has the stronger season record and the edge in the published national analytics estimate, but South Carolina has enough advantages at home to make this a competitive SEC matchup. The key question is whether the Gamecocks can maintain their defensive strength against Bishop while producing enough offense to challenge Tennessee’s scoring ability.

The most important late update to check is Tennessee’s starting quarterback, followed by South Carolina’s final offensive-line availability report.

South Carolina is a slight favorite at home. Sports Illustrated’s preview picks the Gamecocks, and a 247Sports writer predicted South Carolina 31, Tennessee 21. The pick comes with caveats:

• Home field and rest: South Carolina is off a bye and playing at Williams-Brice.
• Sellers’ form: His confidence appears to be back, which changes the offense.
• Tennessee’s strengths: The Vols just beat Alabama 26-10 and have the better ranking and the sacks edge. But they must avoid a hangover after the big win.

Treat this as close to a coin flip with a slight Gamecock lean. The key is whether Sellers stays on schedule against Tennessee’s pass rush and whether South Carolina’s run defense holds up.

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