Thanks to my master ticket connection, GAVol, this will be my 10th consecutive South Carolina vs. Tennessee football game. After missing the Georgia game earlier this year and the 2008 Clemson game, it's now my longest active continuous streak of games versus an opponent.
From what I've seen from Tennessee, I think that this game should be pretty competitive. We'll see what kind of running game Carolina can get going without Lattimore, but UT's run-defense looked pretty good last night against a great rushing offense. Our O-line hasn't been getting much of a push since we lost our LT and they aren't very consistent picking up the pass rush. Our QB Connor Shaw got his first start on the road in the SEC listening to the cowbells in Starkville. Hopefully he's ready for some real crowd noise this weekend. I am also intrigued by the possibility of Worley starting. Being a SC kid, I can only imagine how fired up he will be to play against a school from his home state. There are plenty of story lines to go around for this game, including our back up running back...a walk-on from Knoxville named Josh Winch. (We are at 4 injuries to the RB position, but I'm not about to start talking injuries to Tennessee fans).
Looking forward to the trip up to Knoxville! I always enjoy the time and the hospitality of your fans.