Awed by Gamecocks' talent

"You look at their offensive line and there's a bunch of guys we tried to recruit,'' UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said Tuesday. "Look at their receivers and there's a bunch of guys we tried to recruit.''

When Randy Sanders, the Vols' offensive coordinator, turns on the videotape he too sees Gamecocks (5-2, 3-2 SEC) who could start for the 11th-ranked Vols (6-1, 4-1) or anybody else in the SEC.

"I think from talent and productivity, they're right there with Georgia, Auburn and Alabama,'' Sanders said. "It seems like every time I turn on film for the last month and a half, we're seeing a very good defense.''

Sanders isn't just emulating world-class poor-mouther Lou Holtz. The statistics back him up.

South Carolina ranks 12th in the nation in total defense, fourth in scoring defense, third in pass-efficiency defense.

The Gamecocks are allowing only 11 points per game. They've held five of their seven opponents to seven or fewer points.

On the other hand, those five aren't exactly angling for a Bowl Championship Series bowl, as their NCAA ranking in total offense indicates: Vanderbilt (89), South Florida (106), Troy (115), Alabama (75) and Kentucky (116).

Georgia rallied for a 20-16 victory over the Gamecocks. Ole Miss hit a late pass to spring an upset, 31-28.

"This is one of our better teams,'' conceded Holtz. "I think we're a pretty solid football team.''

Chavis, a veteran of UT's 11-game winning streak against the Gamecocks, thinks pretty solid is an understatement.

"You compare their talent with the talent we play week in and week out, there's not any difference,'' Chavis said. "They look as good and play as good as anybody we play.''

The Gamecocks have upgraded their talent level under Holtz. Rivals.com ranked their 2003 recruiting class No. 8 in the nation. The 2002 class was No. 11.

It's probably no coincidence that each of those two classes followed Outback Bowl wins over Ohio State.

South Carolina's offense is no statistical paragon like the Gamecocks' defense, but that doesn't mean it can't break plays that might be the difference in what shapes up as a low-scoring duel.

Troy Williamson leads the SEC in receiving yardage per game (92.9) and average-per-catch (25.0).

"For two years,'' said Holtz, "he was a young man who ran fast and played football.

"Now, he is a true wide receiver who runs pretty fast. He's become a good, solid receiver.''

Tailback Demetris Summers has been in Holtz' doghouse because of recurring fumbleitis. The Vols, however, remember him as the freshman who rushed for 158 yards last season in UT's 23-20 overtime win.

"I don't think we've tackled him yet,'' said Chavis.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.