Presser Notes: Spencer Rattler Not Dwelling On 2022 Tennessee Win

South Carolina Gamecocks starting quarterback Spencer Rattler spoke with the media on Tuesday to preview their matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers.

South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler has had a windy road to stardom, but the fifth-year senior is just that - a star. He places third in passing yards and second in completion percentage among SEC starters ahead of this weekend. The Gamecocks' trigger-man has continued his hot play from last year, starting with a win over the Vols.

Rattler threw for 438 yards and six touchdowns against Tennessee in 2022, leading South Carolina to a season-high outing in points, 63. While Rattler and company enjoyed immense success last year against the orange and white, he wasn't taking them for granted during his Tuesday presser.

On if this is the most fun he's had in his college career...

"I mean, you could say that. I'm in the zone right now, having fun with the guys. Our group is looking good - it has done a lot of great things. It's fun when you see other guys on your team succeed, too, so that's a part of it. It's just a good vibe out there; we've got to keep stacking and having fun out there.

On if knowing Tennessee wants revenge adds motivation...

"That's a good question. I know you guys probably hate this answer, but you know what I'm going to say: it's the same thing every game. Nameless faces and opponents - we know they want to get a win back on us, so we've got to be prepared. We've got to keep our emotions out of the way of our expectations and have a good time out there."

On Shane Beamer's message that last year's Tennessee preparation gives them perspective...

"That's exactly right. Beamer hit it spot-on in our team meeting today - we've got to have another elite week of practice. We've been practicing well all season. We didn't have our best day offensively today; kind of sloppy in some periods, a lot of good stuff in some periods. Tuesday is the day you clean everything up, put in some new stuff, and just roll with it and clean it up throughout the week, but we have to have an elite week of practice, for sure."

On what he's done that led to this breakout start...

"The system. Like I said postgame, I love what Dowell [Loggains] is doing; he's doing a great job. This isn't a surprise team to me or our team - we're doing well as a group. I'm not surprised that Xavier Leggette is having a great year. The offensive line is getting better and better; I'm not surprised by that. I just love what we're doing, but we've got to keep stacking it. We're nowhere near where we want to be.

On how the run game opened things up vs. Mississippi State...

"It was awesome to see the running backs get some good yardage in that game. It obviously makes it easier on our receivers, myself, our play-caller, and everything. It kind of opens it up and loosens it up a little bit. Credit to the offensive line and the running backs - they did a great job in the run game. I'm trying to help out in whatever way I can in the run game, as well. I feel like I can do a better job of that. I'm still improving on that, but yeah, Mario [Williams] and DK [Dakereon Joyner], those guys are doing a great job."

On if he can see any tangible differences in the offensive line from week one...

"More gel. I mean, game one, obviously, new group, trying new guys out, we weren't really set on a five. I think we get a five now and even one or two guys behind that who could fill that role. Just getting more comfortable each game - like I said on Saturday, Mississippi State had some good coverages on plays that were sacks. I could have probably gotten out and thrown it away, but they've done a good job of keeping me clean, and I expect nothing less from them."

On how playing in Athens impacted the young players on the team...

"Good question. I think it's good to get young guys used to that, obviously. Get your feet wet out there in a big-time environment like Athens and do well, especially guys like O'Mega [Blake], who came on the scene that week and got his feet wet. Like I said, these other guys are going to have to step up in the receiver room, and I have confidence in them. They're going to put a good week together and have a good plan - you just have to go out there and be fearless."

On what the 2022 Tennessee win meant to him...

"That was our coming-out game as an offense. We didn't really have that explosive of a game throughout the whole year, I feel like, and from there on out, it's been pretty consistent since that game. Obviously, it's a lot different this year with what we're doing, a lot better. We've just got to keep it rolling - it was a good confidence for us, but it's in the past. This is a whole new team. Tennessee's got a whole new team, and we've got to go to battle. This is going to be a war on Saturday.

For more, check out South Carolina's feed of the interview linked below.

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