Updates from Knoxville: Gamecocks claw back but can’t overcome first-half deficit
The State’s Ben Portnoy and Augusta Stone are inside Neyland Stadium for Saturday’s South Carolina football game against Tennessee. Below are updates from the game.
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Second-half effort falls short in Knoxville
Though the Gamecocks played a much crisper second half in all three phases, Tennessee’s first-half lead proved too sizable to overcome. The Gamecocks finished with 370 total yards, and Kevin Harris scored two touchdowns, but they simply couldn’t keep pace with quarterback Hendon Hooker and the up-tempo Vols.
Harris scores as Gamecocks claw back
A steep climb remains, but the Gamecocks have at least made things interesting in the second half, outscoring the Vols 13-0 with 12:19 left in the fourth quarter. After scoring his first touchdown of the season in the first half, running back Kevin Harris secured a second touchdown on a 1-yard fourth-down run. The Gamecocks did not convert the two-point conversion and are down 38-20.
‘Beamer Ball’ puts points on the board
Known for his love for special teams, Shane Beamer dialed up a fake punt play for a much-needed Gamecocks touchdown in the third quarter. Kai Kroger threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Payton Mangram. The USC defense has made consecutive stops against UT as the Gamecocks try to dig out of a steep 38-14 hole.
Vols up big over Gamecocks at the half
With a 25-yard field goal in the final seconds, Tennessee took a 38-7 lead into halftime. The Volunteers have dominated in every phase of the game, putting up 373 yards of offense compared to 181 for the Gamecocks. Quarterback Hendon Hooker has thrown three touchdowns and rushed for another, completing 15 of 20 passes for 217 yards.
Harris scores first touchdown of the season
After an offseason back procedure stalled him in the early weeks of the season, running back Kevin Harris scored his first touchdown of the season, a 6-yard scamper that put South Carolina on the board late in the second quarter. Last season’s SEC rushing leader, Harris is up to 45 yards on nine carries. He scored 15 rushing touchdowns last season.
Evans breaks loose for Tennessee’s fifth touchdown
The Vols continue to have their way with the South Carolina defense, as the USC offense struggles to stay on the field. Running back Tiyon Evans broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run to give the Vols a commanding 35-0 lead with just over five minutes left in the first half.
Tennessee scores fourth touchdown after fumble
For the second straight week, Tennessee scored 28 points in the first quarter. The Gamecocks helped fuel Tennessee’s fourth scoring drive with a first-play Luke Doty fumble that gave the Vols a short field. Hendon Hooker connected on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Velus Jones Jr. to extend UT’s commanding lead.
Gamecocks lose ball on trick play, give up third score
On the Tennessee 2-yard line, the Gamecocks lined up defensive lineman Jordan Burch at running back on second down and flipped him the ball. The left-handed Burch then tossed the ball into the end zone toward tight end Nick Muse and was picked off by Jaylen McCollough. The bizarre play set up a scoring drive for the Volunteers, capped off by a Hendon Hooker touchdown run.
Vols burn USC secondary for second touchdown
The Tennessee offense has had its way with USC early. It took just three plays for quarterback Hendon Hooker and the Vols to score on their second drive. Big-play threat JaVonta Payton blew by defensive back David Spaulding for a 39-yard touchdown catch. It’s his fourth straight game with a touchdown, and four of Payton’s nine catches this season have gone for touchdowns.
Tennessee strikes first with Hyatt touchdown
After Luke Doty and the Gamecock offense went three-and-out in the game’s first drive, quarterback Hendon Hooker led the Volunteers down the field in a brisk 4:29. Hooker connected on five of seven pass attempts for 50 yards, finding wide receiver Jalin Hyatt for a 3-yard score.
Starting cornerback doesn’t make trip
The Gamecocks are without starting cornerback Cam Smith, who was not seen practicing with the other defensive backs in pre-game warmups. Smith sat out the second half of USC’s win against Troy with a head injury and did not make the trip to Knoxville.
The USC secondary is also missing saftey R.J. Roderick, who will sit out the first half after a targeting ejection last week.
Tennessee wears all-black uniforms
For the first time since 2009, Tennessee is sporting all-black uniforms — with a twist. Due to “supply chain issues,” the Vols were unable to secure black helmets and will wear white helmets instead.
Coincidentally, the last time Tennessee wore all-black uniforms came in an October game against the Gamecocks.
Gamecock uniform report
South Carolina’s uniform combo for Saturday’s game: white helmets, white jerseys and garnet pants. Last week against Troy, the Gamecocks wore garnet jerseys, garnet pants and white helmets.
Final point spread
Tennessee is a 10.5 point favorite in Saturday’s game, according to VegasInsider.
Watch South Carolina vs Tennessee football game today
Who: South Carolina (3-2, 0-2 SEC) at Tennessee (3-2, 1-1 SEC)
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Neyland Stadium (102,455) in Knoxville, Tenn.
TV: ESPN2
On-air announce crew: Anish Shroff, play-by-play; Mike Golic Jr., analyst; Taylor McGregor, sideline
Radio: 107.5 FM in the Columbia area (Todd Ellis, play-by-play; Tommy Suggs, analyst; Jamar Nesbit, sideline) … See all the radio affiliates around South Carolina here.
Satellite radio: Sirius 137/XM 201
Series history: South Carolina trails Tennessee in the all time series, 10-27-2. The Volunteers have won the last two matchups and carry a 17-3 record against the Gamecocks in Knoxville.
This story was originally published October 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM.