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Tennessee is looking to upset another SEC opponent on the road, as they take on the Gamecocks of South Carolina tomorrow, at 7:30 ET, in Williams-Brice Stadium. This game seems to be a must win for both teams, as they’re battling to make a Bowl Game. This game is without a doubt winnable for Tennessee, however, they’ll have to do it without their best offensive lineman, Trey Smith, with the announcement of his blood clots returning.
So how can Jeremy Pruitt and the Vols get their second SEC win of the season?
Protecting Guarantano
It all starts up front with the offensive line. Every time Jarrett Guarantano has gotten pressured so far into the season, it has led to turnovers and a halt to almost all offensive productivity. This is what happened in the Florida and Alabama games. While when Guarantano was not under pressure, he was very productive, throwing for 328 yards and two Touchdowns against Auburn. So in order for the Vols to pull off this signature win, the offensive line must play similar to they did vs Auburn, in the Vols 30-24 victory on the Plains.
Receivers winning on the outside
Another key for Tennessee to upset South Carolina is to get the ball out to Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings as much as possible. In order to win games, you have to get the ball to your playmakers. For Tennessee, these playmakers are Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings, who both had a massive game vs the Tigers. Marquez Callaway has 19 catches for 308 yards on the season, and Jauan Jennings has 23 catches for 309 yards. If Tennessee can get the ball to them, it could be the difference in the game.
Pressure on Bentley
My final ingredient to a Tennessee win is to pressure Jake Bentley. A lot of South Carolina fans are calling to bench the junior, as he has underperformed and had a disappointing season up to this point. If Tennessee can pressure Bentley and get to him a couple times, it could just be the difference in the game. If Tennessee’s blitz is unable to reach Jake Bentley he could have a breakout game, so it is important for the Vols’ defense to keep Jake Bentley in a slump.
If Tennessee can get this win, it would without a doubt be a massive victory for Jeremy Pruitt and his staff. If Tennessee wins, Jeremy Pruitt would do something in his first year, that Butch Jones never did, beat Will Muschamp.