Steve Spurrier’s final game against Tennessee as Florida’s coach produced a 34-32 Vols’ victory in 2001. When Spurrier’s current South Carolina squad meets UT and coach Phil Fulmer today at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, the teams could be happy just to combine for half the points scored seven years ago.

The Gamecocks (5-3, 2-3 SEC) haven’t exactly showcased a power offense, ranking last in the league in rushing and seventh in total offense.

“We’ve not proven we can beat anybody soundly,” Spurrier said. “I wish we had an explosive offense but it just hasn’t happened quite yet.”

The Vols (3-5, 1-4) aren’t much better, sitting one spot ahead of USC in rushing and 11th in total offense.

“Obviously, we’ve got to score touchdowns when we get down there close and not kick field goals or miss field goals,” said Fulmer about his team, one that’s averaging 18.4 points per game and ranked next to last in scoring offense. “I know that’s been frustrating for everybody concerned.”

Two of the most prestigious coaches of the 1990s spent nearly a decade fighting for SEC East supremacy and rival bragging rights before Spurrier jumped ship for the Washington Redskins of the NFL.

But, in this era of college football, neither has had much success with their current teams. Spurrier said USC is trying to finish in the top three in the division and get to the postseason this year. Coming off a bye week after a tough 24-17 loss to LSU, Spurrier is still wavering on his quarterback.

“In the last game our offense just did nothing in the fourth quarter,” Spurrier said about a game the Gamecocks led 17-10 at halftime. “It was disappointing the way we played last week.”

Spurrier said quarterback Stephen Garcia will start for the second consecutive SEC game, but Chris Smelley isn’t likely to hold a clipboard all day.

“Chris is very capable of playing also,” Spurrier said. “Seems like the guy that comes off the bench has played pretty well around here.”

Spurrier’s biggest concern is not who takes snaps but how much time they have to make plays down the field.

“Our challenge is to get rid of the ball and not take so many sacks,” Spurrier said about the six occasions the Tigers brought down Garcia. “The sacks really hurt last week.”

Fulmer’s squad is also trying to improve amid rumors that its coach could be gone at the end of the season, despite receiving a contract extension before the year started. The Vols are coming off a 29-9 loss to No. 2 Alabama in Knoxville last week and are in danger of missing a bowl game. But, possibly finishing last in the division and an unsettled future with UT isn’t killing Fulmer’s spirit.

“I’m really proud of our team as they’ve continued to fight and play hard and work hard to overcome the struggles that we’re having at some positions,” Fulmer said. “I still think that’s the right attitude to take, that we are focusing on our objectives and not the obstacles.

“I keep waiting for us to have that breakout football game and this is a heck of a good time to have that happen for us.”

Spurrier is also optimistic a win today could put his team on the right path.

“We got hope that a lot of good things can happen,” Spurrier said. “The hope’s still there. We’re not a frustrated bunch.”

Although Spurrier built a 9-5 record against the Vols at Florida, he said losing the last two of three while coaching the Gamecocks has been disappointing.

“We’ve played them three close games since I’ve been here,” Spurrier said. “Hopefully the ball will bounce our way a little better, maybe in the fourth quarter and hopefully we’ll play better.

“Every game stands on its own merit. We’re trying to get better as the season goes and we’ll find out if we can do that (tonight).”