It's once again go time for the Tennessee Vols, and after taking down Alabama at Neyland Stadium, all focus is now on South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 3-3 on the year, but South Carolina's confidence is pretty dang high after taking down Florida on the road earlier this month. With Columbia always providing a rough road environment for Tennessee, Josh Heupel knows his studs will have to be at their best.
And with that, there are three players in particular who are going to have to deliver to make sure the new betting odds that have South Carolina favored by 2.5 points get thrown out the window. You already know that quarterback George MacIntyre is on my list, but I've got another offensive stud and a defensive star in mind as well.
George MacIntyre is going to have to play mistake-free football against South Carolina
Countless eyes are going to be on No. 12. G-Mac is getting ready for his third start, clearly winning over Heupel's trust. After throwing for 197 yards and an INT against Bama, MacIntyre is going to have to make some tough throws against a stingy South Carolina defense.
In his first road test at Arkansas, MacIntyre tossed for 247 yards and a TD, but also threw two interceptions. The Hogs nearly shocked the Vols, but a 24-17 victory was recorded. MacIntyre won't get away with silly throws this weekend. If he's at his best, Tennessee will be in a good spot to improve to 7-1.
George MacIntyre leads the #Vols to victory over Alabama! pic.twitter.com/kQAdYqzeeS
— Paige Dauer (@PaigeDauerFDP) October 18, 2026
DeSean Bishop must continue to be the straw that stirs the drink for Tennessee
With DeSean Bishop chasing Tennessee history, Heupel needs to make sure he keeps on getting the rock. Bishop has been spectacular leading the run game for the Vols once again in 2026, including his 159 yards and two touchdowns in Week 7. On the year, he's averaging around 120 yards a game.
To take some pressure off of MacIntyre, Tennessee needs to continue letting the ground game take over games. With that, Bishop should be in line for another 25-30 carries. Could another 150-yard performance be on the way for him? That's something that can never be ruled out.
Tyree Weathersby will be ready to give South Carolina's offensive line all sorts of issues
Up front, Xavier Gilliam is getting a ton of attention and understandably so. However, pass-rusher Tyree Weathersby has been a total monster in the trenches, and he's coming off a two-sack performance against the Crimson Tide.
On the year, the EDGE has 6.5 sacks, which is No. 1 on the team. The last thing Tennessee can afford in facing quarterback LaNorris Sellers is for him to get comfortable in the pocket, or to make plays with his legs should things open up. If Weathersby can live in the backfield like normal, Jim Knowles will be left all smiles after the final whistle.
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