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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- In just two years, Lou Holtz has turned South Carolina into a contender in the Southeastern Conference. But to keep any realistic hopes of a title alive, the Gamecocks must do something they never have done. No. 14 South Carolina looks to win at Neyland Stadium for the first time Saturday when it faces ninth-ranked Tennessee in a pivotal East Division contest. The Gamecocks (6-1, 5-1 SEC East) come into the game with a one-half game lead over Georgia, but they are 0-10 all-time at Neyland Stadium. South Carolina was in a similiar position last season, getting off to a 7-1 start. But a 17-14 home defeat to the Volunteers began a three-game losing streak to conclude the regular season. South Carolina rebounded with a 24-7 victory over Ohio State in the Outback Bowl. While most SEC teams have make-up contests on December 1, the Gamecocks have only two league games remaining. They host Florida on November 10 and play non-conference affairs against Wofford and Clemson. If South Carolina beats either Tennesee or Florida, it will reach six wins in the SEC for the first time in school history. The Gamecocks finished 5-3 last season. Four teams -- South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee -- have just one loss in the division. However, this week will produce some separation as Florida meets Georgia in another crucial contest. Both South Carolina and Tennessee (4-1, 3-1) rebounded from losses last week. The Gamecocks routed Vanderbilt, 46-14, and the Volunteers got past Alabama, 35-24. Andrew Pinnock and Derek Watson each gained 105 yards on the ground against the Commodores as South Carolina rushed for a season-high 356 yards. The Gamecocks totaled 656 yards as four quarterbacks combined for 300 yards through the air. Casey Clausen was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 21-of-28 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Alabama. Clausen improved to 10-2 as a starter, including an 8-1 mark in SEC play. Travis Stephens leads the SEC in rushing, averaging 150 yards per game. Although Tennessee has played less than half its schedule, Stephens is on pace to break Jay Graham's school rushing record of 1,438 yards in 1995. Tennessee has won seven straight against the Gamecocks to open a 15-2-2 lead in the all-time series. South Carolina suffered a heartbreaking loss to Tennessee last season as Travis Henry's one-yard touchdown run with 26 secconds remaining capped a 16-play, 68-yard drive for the Volunteers. Phil Petty completed 16-of-30 passes for 268 yards for the Gamecocks, who were held to 24 yards on the ground.
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