South Carolina coach Shane Beamer met with the media Tuesday to preview Saturday's road game at No. 21 Tennessee. The Gamecocks (2-2 overall, 1-1 SEC) head to Knoxville fresh off a 37-30 win over Mississippi State.
Here are some key notes from Beamer's media availability:
– Beamer on playing at Tennessee: "Got a big challenge in Knoxville. I always enjoy going back there. ... I spent three years in Knoxville, really loved my time there. Proud graduate of the University of Tennessee sport management program. Got my Master's Degree from there. ... Learned a lot working for Phillip Fulmer."
– Beamer said that his South Carolina team "has a big challenge" on Saturday night. He noted that there'll be a hostile crowd inside Neyland Stadium, which is "what you want to play in and coach in." He said that his Gamecocks are excited to play on Rocky Top.
– Beamer on this year's Tennessee team: "Coach Heupel's done a great job with this year's team. Obviously, a fantastic season last year, and they've picked up right where they left off. Essentially, they've had one bad half of football – and that was against Florida. ... They've been operating at a high level."
– Beamer called Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton "tremendous" and said that he "can make every single throw on the field" and also mentioned his ability to take off and run with the ball.
– Beamer: "They're well-coached. This is a veteran team that we're playing – junior/senior-led team. We've got to have a good week of practice, and need to go up there and do our best to play well on Saturday night. But our guys are excited about the opportunity – another SEC Saturday night game, primetime, under the lights. It'll be an amazing environment."
Tennessee and South Carolina are set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. SEC Network will have the broadcast.