SEC Kickoff: Everything you need to know about Tennessee at South Carolina

Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday night’s Tennessee-South Carolina game from Columbia, S.C.

When: Today
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Current Line: South Carolina (-7)
Game buzz: Two teams mired in disappointment this season, Tennessee and South Carolina still have bowl aspirations heading into game No. 9 this season … The Vols own bragging rights after last year’s upset win over the nationally-ranked Gamecocks … South Carolina’s won three straight at home against Tennessee and is bringing out its black uniforms for the first time since 2011.

SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH PREVIEWS

• Not time to fire Lorenzo Ward, yet
• Gamecocks could salvage season with sweep of Orange Crush
• Tennessee CB Cam Sutton vs. South Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper
• First look at South Carolina’s all-black alternate uniform
• Film study: Get Tennessee while you can

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

Players to watch:

• QB Dylan Thompson
• RB Mike Davis
• WR Pharoh Cooper
• WR Nick Jones
• WR Shaq Roland
• TE Jerrell Adams
• OL A.J. Cann
• DL J.T. Surratt
• CB Brison Williams

Keys for South Carolina:

• Generate pressure up front: South Carolina’s defensive line struggles are well-documented, but perhaps the Gamecocks can catch a break tonight against the SEC’s worst offensive line. With dual-threat Joshua Dobbs at quarterback for the Vols, South Carolina will have to pick and choose when to blitz in spots.
• Continue to feed Mike Davis: The junior tailback’s picking up steam as an all-SEC candidate over his last several games, scoring seven total touchdowns since rushing for 82 yards at Vanderbilt on Sept. 20.
  
• Convert in the red zone: In last week’s loss to Auburn, three empty trips inside the 20 cost an offense that moved the football at a consistent pace. On fourth down situations, bringing Elliott Fry on the field isn’t a bad option. He’s made 12-of-13 field goals this season, an SEC-best.
  

Glaring weakness to watch: Defense. It’s not rocket science. South Carolina’s ability to stop the opposition has been a challenge throughout and has been the direct reason for three of four losses.

Most interesting part of the game: South Carolina’s all-black alternate uniforms. What’s not to like?

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

Players to watch:

• QB Joshua Dobbs
• RB Jalen Hurd
• WR Marquez North
• WR Josh Malone
• TE Ethan Wolf
• DE Derek Barnett
• LB A.J. Johnson
• LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
• CB Cameron Sutton
• KR Evan Berry

Keys for Tennessee:

• Expose South Carolina’s weak defensive line: South Carolina has eight sacks this season. The Gamecocks rank No. 118 in total sacks. After struggling this season, Tennessee’s offensive line must see improvement and capitalize on a weak matchup.
• Pressure Dylan Thompson: Senior quarterback Dylan Thompson has enjoyed a career season in 2014. Thompson has 2,241 yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions through eight games. Tennessee’s talented defense must bring continuous pressure to the veteran quarterback and have its defensive backs play efficient in converge.
• Consistency at quarterback: Joshua Dobbs provided a strong performance at quarterback after entering on Tennessee’s third drive last week. The sophomore provides a mobile option and the ability to evade sacks behind a struggling offensive line. Dobbs must start and stay in the game for Tennessee to have its best chance to win on Saturday.

Glaring weakness to watch: Offensive line. Tennessee ranks No. 123 in sacks allowed with 32 total sacks and an average of four per game.

Most interesting part of the game: Can Tennessee win in a tough road environment to claim its first SEC win of the season?

Team buzz: The Vols need to win three of their next four games to secure bowl eligibility. Butch Jones’ team looks improved in his second season, despite a poor record. Tennessee needs to end its bowl drought to keep optimism high in Knoxville.