The South Carolina Gamecocks (3-2, 0-2 SEC) head to Knoxville, Tenn., to face the Tennessee Volunteers (3-2, 1-1) Saturday. Kickoff at Neyland Stadium is set for noon ET. Below, we look at the South Carolina vs. Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Tennessee is coming off its best game of the season with a 62-24 blowout win over Missouri last week in a game that was over by halftime. The Volunteers have found their man in QB Hendon Hooker, who is averaging 9.4 yards per attempt (15th in the nation) with a sparkling 10/1 TD/INT ratio. The defense has held its own as well with a 4.86 yards-per-play average that ranks 51st in the country.
While South Carolina has the same record as Tennessee, its body of work is far less impressive. The wins have come against inferior competition (Troy, East Carolina, Eastern Illinois) with losses to Kentucky (16-10 in Week 4) and Georgia (40-13) in Week 3.
The Gamecocks have talent on defense—they’re allowing fewer than 300 yards per game—but the offense has struggled to move the ball (328.0 yards per game, 117th in the nation) or score (22.4 points per game; 103rd in the nation) through the first five games.
South Carolina at Tennessee odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: South Carolina +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Tennessee -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): South Carolina +10.5 (-108) | Tennessee -10.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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South Carolina at Tennessee odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Tennessee 34, South Carolina 20
Money line
It’s highly unlikely South Carolina pulls this off on the road, so we’re going to PASS on the money line and target better odds against the spread.
Against the spread
The Gamecocks have the better record against the spread this year (3-1-1 to 2-3), but we’re skeptical they can keep up with an improving Vols offense.
Look for TENNESSEE -10.5 (-112) to pull away with relative ease behind another big day from Hooker.
Over/Under
Given its brutal offense and stout defense, it’s no surprise four of South Carolina’s five games hit the Under. The Volunteers will do their part to hit the Over, but we don’t see enough points coming from South Carolina’s side.
Take the UNDER 57.5 (-110).
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