The Tennessee Volunteers improved their record to 5-4, as they defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks, who drop to 3-6 with the loss, 27-24.
The South Carolina Gamecocks had the chance to salvage an otherwise disappointing season Saturday night as they travelled to Neyland Stadium for an SEC showdown in front of a crowd of 101,253 fans.
With a win, South Carolina would supplant Tennessee for third place in the SEC East standings, whereas a loss would cripple the Gamecocks' final shot at a potential bowl game berth. Let’s just say, the team’s four-year bowl game streak has likely come to a screeching halt. In fact, the Gamecocks must win their last three to make one.
Head coach Shawn Elliott started junior quarterback Perry Orth, who had arguably his best outing yet, over Lorenzo Nunez for the fourth straight game. Orth finished the game passing for 233 yards on 20 completions, with three resulting in touchdowns.
To Orth’s credit, he threw a clean game despite a lackluster performance from his offensive line. The walk-on took just one sack and extended multiple offensive possessions via the ground game. Orth led the team in rushing for the greater part of the first half and concluded the game with 42 yards including a long run of 17 yards.
Pharoh Cooper, who was the victim of a targeting call midway through the first quarter, was held to 47 yards, but was the beneficiary of one touchdown reception late in the third quarter to tie the game. This marked the second straight game without at least 50 yards for the soon-to-be NFL recruit.
Senior running back Brandon Wilds nearly eclipsed the 100-yard mark Saturday night, rushing for 79 yards. Throughout his career at South Carolina, Wilds has struggled to consistently remain on the field due to a myriad of injuries. Elliott’s arrival has seemingly invigorated Wilds, though, as he’s neared of surpassed 100 rushing yards in every game under the interim coach.
Tennessee scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the game, but South Carolina’s defense tightened up as the game progressed, only allowing 13 points in the final 55 minutes of play. Defensive end Marquavius Lewisrecorded the sole sack for Gamecocks, while linebacker T.J. Holloman led the team in total tackles with seven. Lewis also recorded a fumble recovery, forced by cornerback T.J. Gurley.
Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs netted nearly 300 total yards, 255 coming via the air. Dobbs' primary target was receiver Von Pearson who caught a game-high eight passes for 121 yards and one touchdown.
South Carolina outscored Tennessee 24 to 10 in the final 35 minutes of play and earned an opportunity to take its first lead with 1:14 remaining. Orth led the team downfield to the Tennessee 14-yard line where wide receiver Jerell Adams fumbled. The Volunteers took possession with 32 seconds remaining and ran out the clock.
The Gamecocks will play their final three games at home, beginning with the Florida Gators next weekend.