Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer addressed the media, Tuesday, ahead of South Carolina’s game against Florida. The Gamecocks are coming off a bye week following a poor performance at Texas A&M on Oct. 23rd. South Carolina players got the Halloween weekend off, but the film review from a 44-14 defeat at College Station, Texas, was likely scarier than any witch, vampire or zombie. The Gamecocks managed just 185 yards of total offense and were held scoreless for the first three quarters.
Beamer said he and his staff took some time to reevaluate what they had been doing through the first eight games on both sides of the ball to detect any tendencies or shortcomings that can be remedied. One change the offense may undergo, however unwillingly, is yet another starter at quarterback. With Luke Doty already lost for the season and Zeb Noland less than a week removed from a knee operation, transfer Jason Brown may get the call under center this Saturday.
The Florida Gators (4-4, 2-4), coming off a 34-7 loss to rival Georgia, are 18.5-point favorites over the Gamecocks. Kickoff for the Military Appreciation game at Williams-Brice Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Key Comments from Shane Beamer …
- On EJ Jenkins getting more playing time: Simple answer is Josh Vann and EJ are playing same spot. We do need to find ways to get them on field at the same time. We’re doing the same thing w/getting Xavier Leggette and Dakereon Joyner out there together
- On QB Jason Brown’s relationship with WR/TE EJ Jenkins: Goes way beyond football. When we first recruited Jason, EJ was right there with him. They’re attached at the hip. We kid that when Jason has five receivers out there, 90% chance it’s going to EJ
- On QB situation: It’s not great when you’re on the school’s plane and both your starting QB and backup QB had been on the plane that week to fly out for surgery
- On offensive complexity: You want to be simple enough so the guys can play fast but multiple enough to keep defenses off-balance …. Always come back to: We want to run the ball and get it in the hands of your playmakers
- On offensive struggles: Nowhere near good enough at A&M. But you see some things (on film) that tell you it’s not as bad as it seems at first. That’s hard to see statistically, but we’re seeing good things in practice. That’s where you make progress
- On play of OL: Hasn’t been good enough. They’ve done a lot of good things, but there are things they must do better. I would say the same thing about the RBs, WRs, QBs and coaches. No one is happy w/where we are (offensively)
- Facetimed w/WR Jalen Brooks last night. No timetable on his return. Great kid, want to get him back
- Injuries: Zeb (Noland) was out there today and looked good throwing …. He can sit and throw from pocket but mobility is question w/his knee. Needs to do more in practice to consider playing …. RT Dylan Wonnum is questionable, S Jaylin Dickerson is doubtful
- On Florida: Talented defense. I recruiting a lot of these guys at OU. Dan Mullen has history of focusing on special teams and these guys are dangerous in return game. Offensively, one of the best rushing teams. Put up more rushing yards against GA than anyone else
- On atmosphere: Hope we get a packed Williams-Brice Stadium. That’s what these players deserve
