South Carolina coach Will Muschamp said Tennessee’s Derek Barnett has “made some money” with his play this season. For now, Muschamp wants to stop Barnett from making trouble in the Gamecocks’ backfield.
Muschamp identified Barnett as a player who “jumps out” during his news conference before the Gamecocks’ Saturday matchup with Tennessee in Columbia.
Even though the Volunteers have lost several key defensive players to injury, Barnett has remained a consistent — and, foes would say, merciless — force along Tennessee’s defensive front. In particular, one play against Texas A&M on October 8 got Muschamp’s attention.
“He got his own pressure against A&M and carried (Aggies wide receiver) Josh Reynolds downfield,” Muschamp said.