# Vols’ Run Game and Pass Rush Rank Among Nation’s Best After South Carolina Loss

> Tennessee’s run game and pass rush remain top-tier despite 27-24 loss to South Carolina.
- Title: Vols’ Run Game and Pass Rush Rank Among Nation’s Best After…
- Summary: Tennessee’s run game and pass rush remain top-tier despite 27-24 loss to South Carolina. Tennessee’s run game and pass rush still rank among nation’s best…
- Keywords: tennessee volunteers, south carolina gamecocks, la norris sellers, desean bishop, run game, pass rush, nfl, college football, sports, Vols, Run, Game
- Source: Tennessee Volunteers On SI — https://si.com/college/tennessee/football/vols-run-game-pass-rush-still-among-nation-s-best-after-south-carolina-loss-01m5w5sz2cze
- Published: 2026-10-26T14:35:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: tennessee volunteers, south carolina gamecocks, la norris sellers, desean bishop, run game, pass rush, nfl, college football, sports
## Tennessee left Columbia with loss
Tennessee left Columbia with a loss Saturday but the numbers behind this team’s identity held up.
## Vols’ run game and defense rank best
The Vols have built their identity on a punishing run game and a defense that lives in the backfield, both still ranking among nation’s best after 27-24 defeat at South Carolina.
## Sellers tested defense more than anyone
LaNorris Sellers and the Gamecocks tested Tennessee’s defense more than anyone has this season.
## Vols’ defense strong after first quarter
But strip away undisciplined plays that fueled South Carolina’s success, and the Vols’ defense was strong from end of first quarter until late fourth quarter.
## Sacked Sellers five times
Tennessee sacked Sellers five times all in second half raising season total to 35 keeping Vols one sack ahead of LSU for most in nation.
## Tennessee adds eight tackles for loss
Tennessee also added eight tackles for loss pushing season total to 66 the sixth-most nationally.
## Sellers breaks 10-yard runs
Sellers broke off four runs of 10-plus yards for 76 of his 96 rushing yards including 31-yard touchdown and 22-yard scramble to Tennessee 10.
## Bishop reaches 30 career touchdowns
DeSean Bishop finished Saturday with 120 yards and touchdown on 32 carries becoming fifth Vol to reach 30 career rushing touchdowns.
## Bishop ranks second nationally
Bishop now ranks second nationally with 957 rushing yards just six behind Boise State’s Dylan Riley and 11 rushing touchdowns tied for sixth in country.
## Vols prepare for Kentucky game
The Vols aren’t worried about individual stats or accolades but the bye week is good time to reflect on what got them to 6-2 and continue build.
## Key takeaway

Tennessee’s run game and pass rush still rank among nation’s best after 27-24 South Carolina loss.