Tennessee got a much needed win Saturday against No. 21 South Carolina to improve to 4-4 and pump plenty of life into its bowl hopes.
Although Tennessee's streak of 10-plus quarters without allowing an offensive touchdown ended, the defense was dominant again. And this time, it was good enough for a win.
Here's a closer look at what happened Saturday night against the Gamecocks.
Turning Point: You know it's a turnover. But which one?
Those first two were huge - and the scoring plays weren't bad, either. But I'm going with the UT's third touchdown, a 2-yard pass from Jonathan Crompton to Kevin Cooper. That play put the Vols up 21-0 less than 20 minutes into the game. That's pretty early for a turning point, but after the Vols scored their third touchdown South Carolina appeared pretty deflated.
Another big moment came on UT's 56-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter, which answered two South Carolina field goals. But the Vols essentially had South Carolina dazed and on the ropes before the midway point of the second quarter.
What Happened: If there's one stat that tells the story, it's the turnover margin. The Vols recovered three Carolina fumbles and linebacker Greg King picked off a pass. And the Vols played their first turnover-free game of the season.
Plus-four is really the only thing that matters - except of course that Tennessee turned all four of those turnovers into points. Without taking advantage of Carolina's early mistakes, this game could have been much different. The Vols' longest drive of the game went 64 yards - and ended with a blocked field goal.
Still, winning the turnover battle by such a wide margin makes up for a lot.
Game Ball Goes To: There's plenty of solid candidates this week (and you could probably make a case nearly every week for tailback Montario Hardesty), but I'm going with linebacker Rico McCoy.
He's been the stabilizing force at a position ravaged by injuries. And he's elevated his play accordingly. The senior has 47 tackles in his last four games, and came up big with a pair of forced fumbles against South Carolina. His big plays early really helped set the tone.
Honorable mentions to Dan Williams and Janzen Jackson.
Up Next: The Vols get a week away from the SEC gauntlet with a homecoming visit from Memphis.
The Tigers are just 2-6, and rumors are swirling about head coach (and former Vol) Tommy West's job. Regardless, Memphis essentially has a bye week before facing the Vols. The Tigers will have 11 days between games, having last played Oct. 27.
Memphis has committed 19 turnovers, including four in their most recent game, a loss at home against East Carolina in front of just 4,100 fans.
I just love the direction this team is going. The defense is swarming to the football and with players that this staff didn't recruit, except Janzen Jacksom and Greg King, it's great to see the unit playing together.
Jonathan Crompton is starting to play like the quarterback who was so heavly recruited out of high school. The recieving core in Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore have been major the factors in the play of Crompton.
The running attack with Montario Hardesty and the back of the future Brice Brown has been nothing short of outstanding.
I am a UT graduate and season ticket holder since 1974. In 35 years as a season ticket holder and longer being a fan, I have NEVER been so optimistic and excited to be a Tennessee Volunteer! Knowing the direction we're headed is truly EXCITING!!! The 'Whole Kiffin Kaboodle' is exactly what UT needed! Every week I see players dressed in orange (black last Saturday) excited to play ball with a True Wanna Win Attitude! Pride in performance is evident on a weekly basis! I said, "It's Great to be a Tennessee Vol, Finally!" Thank You, Lane and Monty Kiffin!!
These are truely great times for UT fans because of where we all know we are headed.
Keep up the aggressive style of playing and recruiting and we'll be competing for the SEC title soon.
It's about time, huh!?
We've still got to land that star quarterback though.
My comment about the black jerseys. If you (player or fan) don't like the orange, then go somewhere else. Tennessee is about the "Big Orange" not the "Big any other color". There is no justification, not one, for wearing any other color than Orange for home games.
Thanks
Roy
My comment about the black jerseys. If you (player or fan) don't like the orange, then go somewhere else. Tennessee is about the "Big Orange" not the "Big any other color". There is no justification, not one, for wearing any other color than Orange for home games.
Thanks
Roy
As a Tennessee Alumni, I am a true Vol fan. I have been watching football since 1956 when my Dad took me to the Tennessee-LSU game. Seeing the Vols come out in black Saturday night was fantastic. Love the combination. We should have a bunch of combos with all black, black pants - white or ornge jerseys, etc. Halloween was perfect to roll out in black. Was disappointed to hear AD Hamilton say this was a one time deal. Maybe he'll change his mind.
Please Roy, if Black jersey's trim in orange
on Halloween night is a motivational tool, so what!
we won didn't we?
I agree with Roy. Black jerseys might have been a nice diversion for a Halloween night game but this is Orange Country. Orange is our color and should remain that way. Tennessee has remained one of the most traditional teams in the NCAA and I'm glad to hear AD Hamilton is committed to the Big Orange.
loved the black jerseys. hope to see them again
Well...they should wear the black once a year on an important night game. They looked great though...and that's coming from someone who bleeds orange!
Like Coah Kiffin said its a players game and if the black jerseys is what the players wanted then so be it. Ill take any combination as long as our guys are winning and playing hard...How about balck helments with an orange T with those jerseys and black pants....Its great to be back on the road to a bowl game!!!!!!!!Go Vols