The Tennessee Volunteers are just 4-4 on the season, but they're looking to close the year strong. They have the perfect chance to get that roll started at home against South Carolina, who has won just once since their season-opener. Here are three reasons why the Vols are guaranteed to beat the Gamecocks:
3) Tennessee's emerging defense
The Vols have allowed just 30 points once this season (Georgia), so it makes sense that the advanced stats love Tennessee's defense. Even in a conference loaded with defensive talent, the Vols have shown they have of the better units. Tennessee starts only three seniors on the defensive side of the ball, and all of that young talent has finally developed, putting the Vols as one of the top units in the league.
2) South Carolina is a trainwreck
The Gamecocks have been in a downward spiral all season, and it hit a low point when head coach Steve Spurrier resigned after six games. Things haven't gotten much better for South Carolina since then, ranking 94th in the country in total defense and 91st in total offense.
1) Tennessee's dominat rushing attack
The Vols have a true three-headed attack on the ground. RB Jalen Hurd leads the team with 725 yards on 162 carries while his backup, Alvin Kamara, has racked up 346 yards on 54 carries. However, quarterback Joshua Dobbs is the second-leading rusher with 438 yards on 96 attempts.
That trio is averaging over 4.8 yards per carry and have an astonishing 19 touchdowns on the season. No one has truly been able to stop the Vols' ground attack, as Tennessee has rushed for at least 150 yards in every game this season and rank 21st in the country in rushing yards per game (214.1).
South Carolina's defense is one of the worst in the country at stopping the run, meaning the Vols should be in for a field day on the ground.
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