COMMENTARY: Not everyone thinks the Vols are going to avoid disaster

This is another of those head vs. gut debates I’m having with myself.

Just like I did before the Alabama game.

The only difference, though, I’m leaning in the other direction.

That gut reaction makes me feel like today’s game at South Carolina is the textbook definition of what a “trap” game looks like. The Gamecocks have enough talent to win some big games. They’ve had a week off to scheme against the Vols. 

It just doesn’t feel like Tennessee will be in a good spot.

Not to toot my own horn, or anything, but I was the only one of the five Vol Roundtable “experts” to go out on a limb and pick Tennessee to beat the Crimson Tide.

I had the Volunteers winning, 23-21. It turned out to be much more of a beat-down than anyone even expected.

I just had a feeling, after losing to Georgia and not having its most potent offensive weapon — Ryan Coleman-Williams — Alabama was ripe to be beaten.

Toot! Toot!

But, OK, the logic’s leaning in the other direction now. South Carolina ain’t bad and folks are still buzzing about the win over Alabama. 

It’s going to be hard for Josh Heupel and his staff to compartmentalize that impressive victory and store it away for later. The emotions are still pretty fresh. Human nature temps people — even coaches and players — to sit back and bask in the glory of that effort.

It was a hungry Tennessee team that broke out of the blocks, set the tempo with only one of Alabama’s first seven plays being for positive yardage, and never let the Crimson Tide catch a breath.

I just can’t see Tennessee generating that sort of hunger and intensity for the second week in a row. The Gamecocks will be underdogs. If coach Shane Beamer struggles in the second half of the season, I’m not sure he’d be able to survive. He will be coaching as if his life depends on it — because it may.

If Tennessee, a team with plenty of warts and a quarterback situation that may be getting better but is still suspect, goes into its bye week with a 7-1 record, Heupel would have done one of the best coaching jobs in the country.

However, I’m not convinced the Vols can reach that level of intensity again this week.

My head says there are so many reasons Tennessee should win, but my gut says …

South Carolina 27, Tennessee 21

TREVOR MCGEE: Tennessee 20, South Carolina 10

Tennessee’s defense will continue to defend the inches. The offense will struggle again, but it won’t matter for Jim Knowles’ unit, who will contain LaNorris Sellars’ dual-threat ability. 

THEO COLLI: Tennessee 24 South Carolina 14

Trap game alert. While the Gamecocks have been up and down this year, if the conference this year has taught anyone anything, it’s that you can’t take any game lightly.

While I think the Vols can and will grab the win, the road test will be a tougher challenge than some think. If the defense can continue to limit big plays and maintain pressure on Lanorris Sellers, I see no reason why they can’t take this one.

I’m once again expecting a big day from DeSean Bishop, but that feels like it’s becoming a given.

CALEB JARREAU: Tennessee 24, South Carolina 17 

Tennessee's defense hasn't shown any signs of letting down, and I don't think Saturday will prove otherwise. 

JACK GLENNON: Tennessee 24, South Carolina 17

Make no mistake, this game will be close. Tennessee does not have the offensive firepower to induce a blowout on any SEC opponent. If the Volunteer defense can contain LaNorris Sellers and Nyck Harbor, they will have little trouble leaving Columbia with a win.