Hecklers to target Ainge on Saturday

The Gamecocks would love nothing more than to force the Vols' offense into a one-dimensional attack. If the Gamecocks can dull the edge off Tennessee's running game -- one that averages 172 yards per game --South Carolina (5-2, 3-2 SEC) feels it could upset the top team in the SEC Eastern Division and move into what could be a tie for first place.

Quelling the run leaves South Carolina able to focus on Tennessee freshman quarterback Erik Ainge.

"He's gonna make freshman mistakes," South Carolina linebacker Rod Wilson said. "We need to get him out of his space, try to intimidate him. When you do that to a young quarterback, he's gonna make mistakes. Hopefully, he will, too."

Ainge, who occasionally gives way to fellow freshman Brent Schaeffer, has led the Vols to a 6-1 record, including wins over Georgia and Florida en route to the front of the division.

While Ainge's 1,194 yards passing and 13 touchdowns are earning him attention this season, the Gamecocks see his eight interceptions as the weakness needed to win the game.

Four of those picks came against Auburn in Tennessee's lone loss; Auburn knocked Ainge out of his rhythm, and the rest of the Vols' offense went with him.

South Carolina's front seven thinks it can do much of the same. Several members of the Gamecock defense also said they would be heckling Ainge a bit once the game started.

"I've been talking to the guys all week, letting them know that we're still facing a young quarterback," defensive end Moe Thompson said. "If we can get in his way, put some pressure on him, it should be a long game for him."

Getting to Ainge has been no easy task. For the most part, Tennessee's offensive line has succeeded in keeping opposing defenses from getting to Ainge or Schaeffer this season.

Defenses have scattered just eight sacks against the Vols' offensive line, one anchored by All-SEC left tackle Michael Munoz.

South Carolina was able to get to former Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen during the teams' past three meetings. But the Gamecocks' sack total this season has been much lower than expected under first-year defensive coordinator Rick Minter.

Defensive ends George Gause and Moe Thompson have just three between them.

The goal is 10 for the season and Anige will be a target.

"We're just gonna try to beat him down, come hard against him, come with harder blows," defensive tackle Darrell Shropshire said. "We need to make him throw the ball and be a one-dimensional team."