USC-Tennessee series continues to thrill

Add another chapter to the SEC’s closest series of the past 15 years.

Jerell Adams’ fumble in the red zone ended South Carolina’s upset bid as Tennessee won 27-24 on Saturday. It was the fourth straight game in which the winning margin was three points or less.

Hit the books

Kick returner Rashad Fenton stayed in Columbia.

Fenton, who took over the Gamecocks’ kickoff return duties against LSU and promptly returned his first attempt 96 yards for a touchdown, was suspended because of academics, according to USC sports information. The suspension should last a game.

Fenton was also suspended for the first half against UCF for academics.

Shon Carson and Rod Talley were at kick return on Saturday. Fenton will practice on Monday.

Piece of the NFL

Elliott Fry’s 49^th career field goal tied him with Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop for the second-most field goals in USC history. Collin Mackie leads with 72.

Fry missed a first-quarter field goal that would have given him second place by himself.

Legal

USC’s 21 third-quarter points were the most it’s had in any quarter this season.

VFL

Tennessee’s Legend of the Game was Eric Berry, who returned to the NFL this year after defeating Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His younger twin brothers, Evan and Elliott Berry, currently play for the Vols.

Hangin’ by a thread

The Gamecocks’ sixth loss has them on streak watch. USC has had 11 straight non-losing seasons (6-6 in 2007 breaks up a streak of winning seasons). USC must win out to keep the streak alive.

USC’s final opponents – Florida, The Citadel and Clemson – are a combined 24-3 this season.

Old man

Brandon Shell’s 45^th career start has him tied for fourth in school history with current offensive line coach Travelle Wharton, Ladi Ajiboye and Devin Taylor.

Red cross report

WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring) again didn’t travel and DT Taylor Stallworth stayed in Columbia after suffering a chest injury.

WR Pharoh Cooper was shaken up after a late hit in the first quarter. He returned in the quarter. CB Al Harris dislocated his shoulder when he tackled Jalen Hurd in the first quarter. He did not return and will be re-evaluated this week.

WR D.J. Neal was taken to a local hospital after he injured his hip, but X-rays were clear. DE David Johnson was also shaken up.

This story was originally published November 7, 2015 at 2:46 PM with the headline "USC-Tennessee series continues to thrill."