GAMEDAY REPORT: Tennessee @ USC

Are we really arguing over quarterbacks again coach Spurrier? Apparently the Ole Ball Coach didn't watch the LSU game and the fourth quarter of South Carolina's win at Kentucky.

What more do you want from Stephen Garcia coach? Sorry but he's not Rex Grossman or Jesse Palmer, yet. Why don't you go out and sign some offensive linemen, that's a start. Ok, onto this week's game in Columbia.

Preview: Tennessee (3-5) at South Carolina (5-3) 7pm ESPN2

Once again, like in Spurrier's previous three seasons, the Gamecocks enter the "orange crush" portion of their schedule with the Vols on Saturday night and upcoming games against Florida and Clemson. South Carolina fans are thinking, at best, 8-4 at this point with a berth in the Outback Bowl Jan. 1, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. That wouldn't be so bad would it?

I'm predicting a 7-5 finish, with the Gamecocks losing one of two to either the Vols or those Tigers in November. Rumors continue to swirl on whether or not Captain Munnerlyn and Emanuel Cook stay for their senior campaigns, I sure hope so.

Breaking it down by position, these under-achieving teams are almost dead even:

Quarterbacks: Both teams are plagued with inexperienced signal callers but at least the Gamecocks are a little more mobile. Advantage: South Carolina

Running backs: Seriously? Mike Davis needs to graduate, NOW. Advantage: Tennessee

Wide Receivers: Both teams have question marks at the wideout position, but the Vols' Josh Briscoe is the real deal. Hopefully, Jared Cook plays well against the Tennessee secondary. Advantage: Even

Offense: Tennessee ranks 112th in the nation in total offense. South Carolina leads the nation in interceptions thrown. Advantage: Even

Defensive line: The Gamecocks are struggling with sacking the quarterback. Once again, USC ranks amogst the SEC's lowest in that department. Advantage: Tennessee

Linebackers: Rodney Paulk and Jasper Brinkley lead a talented crew of linebackers who will have no problem against UT's rushing attack. Advantage: South Carolina

Secondary: Captain Munnerlyn is healthy and Cook is a tackling machine for the nation's 6th-ranked pass defense. Advantage: South Carolina

Defense: South Carolina has been solid all season long on defense and the Vols are having trouble putting the ball in the endzone. Advantage: South Carolina

Special Teams: Ryan Succop has had one ugly senior season for the Garnet and Black. Not to mention he's struggled against the Vols. Advantage: Tennessee

Prediction: This will be disappointing for Gamecock fans. 83,000 will go home unhappy, thankfully I'll be watching from the couch. Fulmer keeps his job with the orange crush for another week as Tennessee improves to 26-3 versus South Carolina all-time.

Volunteers 24 Gamecocks 17

LISTEN TO the official breakdown of Saturday's bout in Columbia at 6 or 10pm Friday on Crawford and Kelley Sportstalk. CLICK HERE.