By Sawyer Hunley
After a massive win for the Vols on Saturday against Alabama, it’s time to look ahead to Columbia, South Carolina, where the Gamecocks await.
Trap games, or letdown games, have been a huge story in college football so far this season, especially in the SEC.
For example, Ole Miss defeated LSU in a major home win, then went on the road the following week to Gainesville and lost to Florida by 24 points.
After the huge home win over Ole Miss, Florida then went on the road to Columbia, Missouri, and lost to the Tigers by 28 points.
That’s just a small sample of what has been a crazy season so far in the SEC and across college football.
This week the Vols are the team in the letdown spot.
This won’t be Tennessee’s first time traveling to Columbia in this spot.
Many will recall the 2022 game when the No. 5 Vols lost to South Carolina in Williams-Brice Stadium, 63-38, as star quarterback Hendon Hooker tore his ACL and missed the rest of the season.
On Monday, Josh Heupel said he brought up this game with his team to show them what kind of venue they will walk into on Saturday.
“Understand the type of environment you’re getting into. Understand the approach of your opponent. You’re stepping into a ring; you better understand your opponent and be prepared to be physical, mental, and emotional at your peak,” Heupel said.
It is never easy to go on the road in the SEC, no matter who you are playing, especially at a stadium like Williams-Brice Stadium, one of the loudest venues in the SEC.
One of the players who understands this sentiment better than anyone is star wide receiver Mike Matthews, who has played in many tough SEC road venues.
“The SEC is just a one-week type of deal. Everybody is winning and losing. So being able to flip the switch from winning the big game and going into a heated environment,” Matthews said.
It truly is a one-week season in the SEC, especially this season. If you are not on your “A” game from week to week, you will lose.
Walking out of Williams-Brice Stadium with a win will be a tall task for the Vols, but this team has the weapons to do it.
Led by their defense, Tennessee ranks first in the SEC and in the nation in sacks.
But it’s not only the defensive line that is stout for the Vols; they also have the No. 3 pass defense in college football.
On offense, running back DeSean Bishop leads the charge, third in the nation in rushing yards with 837 and sixth in the country in touchdowns with 10.
UP NEXT: To win on the road, Tennessee will have to lean on its running game and defense, as kickoff is slated for 3:30 ET Saturday on ESPN.
Excellent article!🧡