Rapid Reaction: Gamecocks stun Vols, cause chaos in East
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.