Vols struggling of late
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
3-4 overall, 0-4 in Southeastern Conference play
Last time out: After playing No. 2 Alabama to a surprising 6-6 deadlock at halftime, the Vols proceeded to fall apart as the Crimson Tide scored 31 unanswered second half points en route to a 37-6 win.
To date: UT opened the season with blowout wins over Montana and Cincinnati before falling to Florida in Gainesville. The Vols bounced back to beat Buffalo but have lost three straight since to, in order, Georgia, No. 1 LSU and now No. 2 Alabama.
Who and what to watch for: The Vols are a pass-heavy offense. UT is second in the SEC in pass offense and dead last in rush offense. The Gamecocks remain the SEC's best statistical pass defense. The Vols are second in the conference in third down conversion success.
The Volunteer defense is a middle-of-the-pack unit in the SEC, but it struggles mightily to create turnovers. UT is last in the league in interceptions.
Tailback Tauren Poole is 10th in the SEC in rushing yards. Injured quarterback Tyler Bray still leads the league in passing yards and passing efficiency. Receiver Da'Rick Rogers is second in receptions and receiving yards per game.
Last five meetings: Tennessee leads 3-2
2010: Gamecocks 38, Tennessee 24 in Columbia
2009: Tennessee 31, Gamecocks 13 in Knoxville, Tenn.
2008: Gamecocks 27, Tennessee 6 in Columbia
2007: Tennessee 27, Gamecocks 24 (OT) in Knoxville, Tenn.
2006: Tennessee 31, Gamecocks 24 in Columbia
All-time series standings: Tennessee leads overall series 22-5-2
In Columbia: Tennessee leads 8-4-2
In Knoxville: Tennessee leads 14-1
On Neutral Field: No series meetings on neutral field