The bye week was supposed to help Tennessee refresh and regroup.

It didn’t.

South Carolina all but wrecked the Volunteers’ SEC East title hopes with a stunning 24-21 upset victory Saturday night in Columbia.

The Gamecocks secured the win when Tennessee’s Aaron Medley came up well short on a game-tying field goal attempt on the final play.

What it means

South Carolina’s victory created chaos in the SEC East.

Florida holds a one-game edge over Kentucky, but the Gators beat the Wildcats, so the reality is Florida would have to lose twice more for Kentucky or Tennessee to have a chance.

That’s possible, of course. The Gators still must play at Arkansas and at LSU.

For South Carolina, its fourth victory this season moves the Gamecocks improbably closer to a bowl berth in Will Muschamp’s debut season. Can they get there? South Carolina plays Missouri and Western Carolina.

The Gamecocks have completely changed the course of their season after starting 2-4.

Who’s the man: South Carolina true freshman Jake Bentley was 15-for-20 for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Rico Dowdle added 127 yards rushing and a touchdown, and the defense intercepted Vols QB Joshua Dobbs twice.

What’s next: South Carolina (4-4, 2-4 SEC) hosts Missouri next week. The Volunteers (5-3, 2-3) play Tennessee Tech.