Guaranteed EPQ grade drop?? Sheffield/Southampton

Normally EPQ isnt guaranteed to drop entry requirements but for the Uni of Sheffield and Southampton it is worded in a way indicating that it does?
Shef: "A Levels + additional qualifications ABB including A in Maths + B in a relevant EPQ (relevant research topics include Economics, Statistics, Maths or Business); ABB, including A in Maths + B in A Level Further Maths"
Southampton: "If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including Mathematics and grade A in the EPQ"

Can anyone verify the guaranteed grade drop? And if so, can I apply with the dropped grade?