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Tennessee football at South Carolina: 10 keys to the game for Vols and Gamecocks

By Caleb Calhoun

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer saw his team fall behind early on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football Bp
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer saw his team fall behind early on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football Bp /
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Nov 5, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) passes the ball during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) passes the ball during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Turnover issues for South Carolina

Despite intercepting lots of passes, South Carolina is minus-seven on the year in the turnover margin, which is No. 117 in the nation. You could point out that they have only recovered five fumbles, but that means they have forced 16 turnovers on the year, which is No. 43 nationally.

The problem is this team is absolutely horrendous at taking care of the ball. South Carolina has lost 23 turnovers this season, which has them down at No. 129. They lose them in every way, as they have thrown 11 interceptions and lost 12 fumbles, and it usually comes down to Spencer Rattler not taking care of the ball in either way.

Unlucky for them, the Vols’ ability to not throw interceptions is part of a larger ability they have at taking care of the ball and winning the turnover battles. Josh Heupel’s teams are plus-nine on the year in turnover margin, good for No. 8 in the nation. They have lost 10 turnovers overall, which puts them at No. 16.

Now, their seven fumbles lost has them at No. 70, but as we have shown, South Carolina doesn’t recover fumbles they way they intercept passes. Simply put, Tennessee football has a huge advantage here, and to have a chance, South Carolina somehow has to flip the script.

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