Tennessee's defense against South Carolina getting shredded on the field and social media
Most observers weren’t expecting South Carolina to give Tennessee much of a game Saturday night.
That has not been the case, however, as the Gamecocks lead 35-24 at halftime.
While the Volunteers’ offense has been explosive, as usual, their defense has struggled big time in the opening half.
South Carolina moved the ball at will behind quarterback Spencer Rattler, and Tennessee’s defense was flagged for some key penalties in the 2nd quarter that kept a Gamecocks’ scoring drive alive.
In all, South Carolina piled up 355 yards of total offense in the 1st half, including 249 passing yards and 4 touchdown from Rattler.
SPENCER RATTLER ?? pic.twitter.com/SuFNfKMsXP
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 20, 2022
Amazingly, the Gamecocks scored touchdowns on all 5 of their 1st-half possessions.
For a Tennessee team that needs a win to stay in contention for a College Football Playoff berth, it was a curious defensive performance, one that college football fans took notice of on social media:
Tennessee with a Rose bowl offense and an independence bowl defense.
— Cory (@cmblakney23) November 20, 2022
The amount of defense #Tennessee is playing tonight… pic.twitter.com/yVgDvFwyEg
— Jason Hammer (@jasonalanhammer) November 20, 2022
Can Tennessee get one stop on defense, just 1.
— Joseph NR (@JosephFuqua) November 20, 2022
Tennessee will lose this game kicking field goals. Their defense is Swiss cheese. ?
— Grant Patterson (@TheRealGP_) November 20, 2022
I hope Tennessee’s defense doesn’t ruin this Tennessee Offense
— Nazreth (@719Naz) November 20, 2022
tennessee not playing a lick of defense lol
— Reginald Adetula ?? (@regadetula) November 20, 2022
Live look at Tennessee's defense.. pic.twitter.com/NJwgRnu9gt
— Sean (@Maley412) November 20, 2022
this tennessee defense is absolutely repulsive
— maggie ❤️? MFASR DAY (@maggiebakerr) November 20, 2022
So….. Tennessee just can't play defense anymore?
— potential84 (@_potential84) November 20, 2022
Tennessee défense gettin exposed
— King Suavé (@NoStress_Sam) November 20, 2022
Garbage Tennessee Defense. No effort
— BillBWest (@billbobwest) November 20, 2022
Tennessee’s defense is softer than microwaved butter. I’m not complaining though, the higher UofSC hopes are the farther they’ll come crashing down next week.
— Aaron Nola Fan Page (@AceOfNolas27) November 20, 2022
Tennessee's defense… pic.twitter.com/7KYejjIJxp
— Firefly Mrs. Meggy ??️? (@WifeySpice90) November 20, 2022
Tennessee defense can’t stop a nose bleed. South Carolina doing whatever they want
— Jeremiah Jakee' Gray (@G_Sportz) November 20, 2022