Man, how things have changed.

It was practically a foregone conclusion that Tennessee was supposed to lose to Auburn, then get hammered by Alabama before a loss to South Carolina. Simple, right? Not quite.

UT stunned the Tigers on the road, did indeed get hammered by Alabama and now face the Gamecocks. However, this matchup seems much different than it did before the Auburn game. The Vols actually seem like they have a legitimate chance to win their second SEC road game. That seemed as likely as the world being flat before UT’s trip to The Plains.

Here are 10 bold predictions about Saturday’s UT vs. South Carolina game:

1. South Carolina will have a 2-touchdown lead before halftime

The Gamecocks should be angry. Their preseason hopes of getting to the SEC Championship are all but dashed. South Carolina is at home and should play angry early. But will it last?

2. Tennessee will overcome the early deficit

Except for the Florida game, UT’s players haven’t shown much quit all season. With a bowl bid on the line, don’t expect the Vols to do so this week. If the Vols lose, it will be because they were overmatched, which is understandable. Otherwise, they’ll overcome South Carolina’s early surge.

3. Deebo Samuel will have over 100 receiving yards

Samuel is seventh in the SEC with 63.7-yards receiving per game. Considering South Carolina’s unexpected offensive woes this season, that’s pretty impressive. The Vols just don’t have anyone in their secondary who can match Samuel’s athleticism.

4. Jauan Jennings will catch 2 touchdown passes

It wasn’t hard to sense Jennings’ growing confidence during his interview session this week — and why wouldn’t his confidence be growing. Jennings is proving to be the top-flight college receiver most thought he could be before injuries and some maturity issues got in the way. Kudos to Jennings, who has a bright future ahead of him.

5. Jarrett Guarantano will outplay Jake Bentley

This prediction really isn’t that bold. Guarantano is the fourth-highest rated passer in the SEC. Bentley is ninth. However, if someone made this prediction before the season, it would have been considered laughable and definitely bold.

6. If Guarantano gets knocked out of the game, Bentley will be outplayed by Keller Chryst

Do you get the feeling that I’m a bit down on South Carolina’s offense, which ranks eighth in the SEC? Besides Chryst looked every bit the part of an SEC quarterback last week against Alabama.

7. Nigel Warrior will make a big play

To this point in the season, Warrior has been magically average. The safety is second on the team with 33 tackles but has only one tackle for a loss, no sacks and no interceptions. I’ve stuck by this prediction for weeks. Why let it go now? Warrior it too talented not to turn in a game-changing play this week.

8. Kyle Phillips will score again

Why not? Phillips showed his powerful running style when he scored last week against Alabama. Who is to say he can’t do it again? Perhaps he could play some fullback. Probably not, but it’s fun to think about.

9. Win or lose, Jeremy Pruitt will finally show more emotion than he ever has before

The first-year coach hasn’t even come close to blowing his top following the Vols’ four losses this season, although he did show some emotion after the Georgia loss. Pruitt also hasn’t been overly excited following any of UT’s three wins. Be it on the sideline or in the post-game press conference, look for Pruitt to be a bit more excitable following what could be a turning point game.

10. Tennessee will win

As noted above, South Carolina has little to play for. The Gamecocks might start fast, but there’s a good chance they’ll lag as the game goes on. The Vols are a team with a bowl bid on the line and a schedule that looks much more hospitable that before. UT will top the Gamecocks 24-20.