Game-day preview: UTC at South Carolina

UTC defensive back Kareem Orr returns an interception as teammate Ian Hayes, left, comes up to block Western Carolina quarterback Tyrie Adams during their Southern Conference matchup Oct. 13 in Cullowhee, N.C.
UTC defensive back Kareem Orr returns an interception as teammate Ian Hayes, left, comes up to block Western Carolina quarterback Tyrie Adams during their Southern Conference matchup Oct. 13 in Cullowhee, N.C.
photo UTC defensive back Kareem Orr returns an interception as teammate Ian Hayes, left, comes up to block Western Carolina quarterback Tyrie Adams during their Southern Conference matchup Oct. 13 in Cullowhee, N.C.

UTC (6-4) at SOUTH CAROLINA (5-4)

7:30 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina

VIDEO & RADIO

SEC Network Alternate & 96.1 FM

THE MATCHUP

This will be the first meeting between these football programs. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is 4-117-3 all-time against teams currently in the Southeastern Conference, while the Gamecocks are 96-34-4 against current Southern Conference teams, including 20 losses to in-state program Furman. South Carolina's balanced offense is led by senior quarterback Jake Bentley, who has averaged 238 passing yards per game this season. Four Gamecocks running backs, led by Rico Dowdle, have rushed for more than 200 yards this year, while three receivers have more than 400 yards. Deebo Samuel, who leads South Carolina with 43 receptions, is also one of the nation's top kickoff returners and will line up in multiple spots on offense. The Gamecocks' run defense has been below SEC standards this year and allowed a season-high 367 rushing yards last week in a 35-31 loss at Florida. UTC, however, has had a hard time getting consistent yardage on the ground and will likely rely on a bounce-back game from quarterback Nick Tiano and his talented group of receivers.

ONES TO WATCH

A great individual matchup will be UTC defensive back Kareem Orr against the elusive Samuel, but expect the Mocs to avoid letting Samuel get his hands on kickoffs after what happened against Mercer a week ago, when the Bears' Stephen Houzah had returns covering 73 and 91 yards in the fourth quarter. UTC's defense is playing its best ball of the season and needs linemen Isaiah Mack and Derek Mahaffey to be their usual disruptive selves. Making Bentley uncomfortable is the best way to slow down an offense that has averaged 31 points per game. Any offensive production for the Mocs will only come with keeping linebackers Bryson Allen-Williams, T.J. Brunson and Serrod Greene busy.

IN THE END

UTC has kept each opponent under 30 points this season, a streak that will be severely tested in its finale. Will Muschamp's team, though, will be fighting a letdown after letting last week's game with Florida get away despite an early two-touchdown lead. The Mocs have nothing to lose and will try to give a strong group of outgoing seniors a proper send-off. Unless the Mocs can find creative ways to finish drives, though, the Gamecocks' superior depth and firepower will be too much.

PREDICTION

South Carolina 32, UTC 10

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