First Look at the Line: Rested South Carolina Gets Early Respect Against Tennessee

The first betting look at Tennessee's trip to South Carolina is in, and it reflects a tricky spot for the Vols. The Gamecocks come off their bye week to host Tennessee in Columbia on Saturday, and the early line for the game has been set with South Carolina as a slight home favorite.

The early market installed South Carolina at -2.5 with a total of 50.5 — modest disrespect, on paper, for a Tennessee team that is 6-1 and fresh off beating Alabama 26-10. The context explains the number: a rested home team, a potential letdown spot for the visitors, and a Gamecocks squad that found something in its final outing before the bye.

For Tennessee, the line is a useful irritant. The Vols have spent the week hearing that the Alabama win might have been their peak; what they do in Columbia on Saturday will say whether the early odds were sharp, or simply doubted the wrong team.