Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer was playing it coy regarding the health of his team at the outset of his press conference, Tuesday, before sharing more information after some direct questions on the availability of quarterback LaNorris Sellers and running back Raheim Sanders. Sellers missed the Akron game after suffering an ankle injury against LSU. Sanders carried the ball just once against Akron before being removed with an ankle injury of his own.
The Gamecocks were able to handle the Zips without the services of their starting backfield, but the degree of difficulty is ramped up with 12th-ranked Ole Miss coming to Columbia for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, Saturday.
“LaNorris (Sellers) and Rocket (Sanders) were both out there. They both looked good,” Beamer said. “I wouldn’t say they were 100 percent, but they both told me they felt great and they looked good. They’ll both be able to do even more tomorrow.” Beamer also said that wide receiver Jared Brown, who was held out of the Akron game, participated in practice.
South Carolina (3-1) has had extra time to prepare for Ole Miss’ explosive attack thanks to a bye. The Rebels (4-1) were averaging 55 points/game before short-circuiting in last week’s 20-17 loss at Kentucky. Lane Kiffin’s fast-break approach may have backfired against the Wildcats as Kentucky enjoyed a 19-minute time of possession advantage.
But playing “keep away” against Ole Miss is no easy task. The Rebels’ defense is loaded with talent and is giving up just 8.4 points/game.
Some key comments from Beamer press conference:
- Opened press conference encouraging everyone to send their prayers and support for all that have been affected by devastating storm. Still has friends from Asheville and other areas that he’s still trying to get in touch with … “Thank you to all of our first responders.”
- On Ole Miss defense: They’re well-coached, size at LB, speed along d-line, lead the SEC in sacks.
- On Ole Miss offense: Offensively, they’re pretty much no. 1 in everything. Have to handle tempo, huge OL and talented/experienced QB. That’s life in the SEC.
- Tackling will be key. Ole Miss is going to get their yards. Have to play right technique at all three levels to prevent big plays.
- On all the games he watched this weekend: I watched every SEC game I could. Everybody’s really talented in our league and that was reaffirmed. Watched some Clemson, too. I’m still mesmerized by the fact that Stanford is in the ACC.
- On preventing “UNLV NIL scenario”: Constant communication. Make sure there is never a gray area and be honest with them about their role. With regard to NIL, specifically, we’re not going to overpromise around here. If anything, we’re going to overdeliver.
- Says that he gets random texts from Lane Kiffin sometimes that make him laugh and shake his head. While they’re not close friends, he has a lot of respect for his mind and what he’s accomplished.