'We just wanted to go in and send a message' - Vols team leader confirms suspicion about memorable win from the Josh Heupel era

Vols linebacker Arion Carter, who was a true freshman in 2023, said this week on TPL Tennessee that UT was looking to send a message in the matchup against the Gamecocks.

"Being in Neyland is just crazy," said Carter. "I remember the South Carolina game my freshman year. We were in blackout mode. And this is just coming off the year of them losing with Hendo (Hendon Hooker) and all of them. We just wanted to go in and send a message."

The Vols ended up beating South Carolina by 21 points, so I'd say the message was received loud and clear by the Gamecocks.

Carter, by the way, isn't the only Vol this offseason to point out the win against South Carolina in 2023 as one of the most memorable Tennessee moments in recent years.

Former UT edge rusher James Pearce, a first round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, also pointed out the South Carolina game as one of his favorite moments as a Vol.

“Probably [the] South Carolina game, revenge game,” said Pearce at the NFL scouting combine in February when asked about his favorite moment at Tennessee.

Pearce was a true freshman on the 2022 Vols team that was upset by the Gamecocks.

Tennessee hasn't played South Carolina since 2023. And the two teams aren't scheduled to play each other in 2025.