Mike Matthews is usually one of the main answers in Tennessee’s passing game, but on Saturday afternoon at South Carolina, the junior wideout showed he can hurt a defense another way too.
With the No. 11 Volunteers scrambling to seize control of an SEC battle that had already swung back and forth, Matthews powered in a Wildcat touchdown late in the first half to give Tennessee a 21-17 edge at the break. It was the Vols’ first lead of the afternoon after spending most of the half chasing the Gamecocks.
Tennessee had trailed 14-0 before clawing back to even things at 14-14, only to fall behind again 17-14. But there was still enough time for one more push before halftime, and Matthews provided the finishing touch.
On 2nd-and-goal from the South Carolina 8-yard line, Tennessee lined up in the Wildcat with Matthews ready to take the snap. He handled it himself, bounced the run to the right, cut it back and kept driving until he crossed the goal line standing up.
That touchdown stood out even more because Matthews had already made a little impact through the air, catching two passes for 24 yards in the opening 30 minutes. The score was his first rushing touchdown of 2026, while he already had three touchdown catches on the season.
It was a timely twist from a player known for what he does as a receiver, and it sent Tennessee into the locker room with the lead.
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The line has only added to the frustration for Tennessee fans, since South Carolina is favored by 2.5 points despite the Vols being ranked higher. There is also a layer of unease attached to the officiating after referee David Smith, a former Alabama quarterback, was on the crew for that 2022 game in Columbia, which makes this weekends meeting feel like more than just another road test. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Faces Its First Real Road Pressure Since Alabama
After the Alabama trip, Tennessee is back in a spot that should feel familiar and a little uncomfortable: another road test, another SEC environment, and another game where the Vols will be measured as much by their composure as by their talent. The matchup with South Carolina has drawn plenty of attention inside the fan base because it brings together a Tennessee offense that wants to lean on the run game and a defense that will have to keep a close eye on Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Around Vols on SI, the discussion has centered on how the Volunteers handle those pressure points, from DeSean Bishop and Braylon Staley on the offensive side to the need for steady defensive pressure throughout the night. It is the kind of road game that can expose small issues quickly, which is why so much of the preview work has focused on strategy, matchups and the details that decide close conference games. [Read more 🡒]