Gamecocks pointing fingers at themselves

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- In its previous two losses, South Carolina hadn't been down any more than seven points entering the fourth quarter.

But Tennessee was up two scores Saturday on its way to a 31-13 victory, and it had the Gamecocks to thank.

Four turnovers -- including three first-half fumbles, two of them on the first two series -- all led to Volunteers points.

South Carolina actually outgained Tennessee 365-341.

"It's easier to swallow when a team's just better than you," USC senior receiver Moe Brown said. "It's real difficult when you've got turnovers and you beat yourself. Not saying Tennessee's not a good team, but we gave them 21 points."

That's how many points Tennessee cashed in for off those first-half fumbles -- one by freshman tight end Justice Cunningham, one by redshirt freshman running back Kenny Miles and one by redshirt sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia.

Garcia added a fourth-quarter interception that ended any hopes of a comeback. Tennessee converted that pick into a field goal that made it a three-possession game.

South Carolina (6-3, 3-3 SEC) had nine turnovers in the first eight games, but gave the ball up four times Saturday.

"We'd been pretty good at taking care of the ball," Spurrier said. "We didn't do it last night. Certainly, it hurt us."

Tennessee (4-4, 2-3) didn't have a turnover. It's the second consecutive game in which USC didn't get a takeaway. Eric Norwood had a pick six on his fingertips and couldn't control the ball.

The dud of a night has sent fans into panic mode. They're bracing for another fall.

With a trip to Arkansas next, followed by Florida and Clemson at home, it's not going to be easy to win another game.

Both Brown and Garcia talked after the game about stepping forward this week as leaders. They said they want to see the Gamecocks practicing at a higher pace.

"Your practice translates to the field. Tonight it showed," Brown said Saturday night. "That's something we've got to address. It's not going to be happening no more, either."

Spurrier said last week's practices weren't all that off key. About normal, he said.

"Well, our practice level has never been at the level where I wish it was," he said. "We don't quite have the scout team guys to help us. But when we go (first-team offense against first-team defense), it's OK."

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin took some mild punches at South Carolina on his TV show Sunday morning.

He said the win worked to get back at Spurrier for going to school at Florida instead of Tennessee.

And Kiffin was rather pointed in saying the Gamecocks weren't great tacklers.

South Carolina proved him right on a number of occasions.

Safety Chris Culliver, particularly, struggled to tackle. On some plays, including three of Tennessee's touchdowns, it appeared he pulled up or gave half-effort.

Vols running Montario Hardesty (121 yards, two scores) spun and dizzied Culliver on one of his touchdown runs.

Spurrier said Culliver's effort level, along with a few other players, would be evaluated this week in practice.

"We've got to find out. His tackling effort was not good enough," Spurrier said. "We've got to address that in the next day or two."

Overall, Spurrier said the team feels "fortunate" to be 6-3 and that a lot of other teams in the country wish they were already eligible for a bowl.

Two of the opponents that USC has lost to, SEC East rivals Georgia and Tennessee, have four wins each.

"We realize we could be a lot worse than we are right now," Spurrier said. "Probably could be a little bit better, but we won four close games."

Injury update

There was no word on Cliff Matthews' prognosis. The junior defensive end suffered a dislocated left shoulder late in the first quarter.

The initial indication Saturday was "a few weeks."

"They got it popped back in," Spurrier said. "He said he wasn't in too much pain last night. He'll obviously miss (the Arkansas) game and we'll go from there, but he could miss the (Florida) one, also."

Extra points

Walk-on Garrett Chisolm, from West Ashley, played most of the second half at right guard. Spurrier said there's a good chance he's earned a start this week. ... South Carolina-Florida is expected to be the 3:30 p.m. CBS game, but that announcement should come today. ... Spurrier said Cunningham was in early "because he's a better blocker." He fumbled on the third play of the game. ... Spurrier said Weslye Saunders "hasn't played quite as well" since suffering a sprained ankle.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the South Car-olina blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/gamecocks.