COLUMBIA: South Carolina just completed a 5-3 SEC scheduled with a win over Missouri and has the annual Palmetto Bowl showdown with Clemson coming up next week. In between, the Gamecocks play their final home game this Saturday against Wofford.
The game will mark Senior Day for the Gamecocks as well as Armed Forces Appreciation Day. And there’s Clemson looming large in the front windshield. Gamecock coach Shane Beamer knows all of that can create distractions for his players, and his goal this week for his 19th ranked team is to focus on Wofford, focus on themselves and continue to improve.
The Gamecocks have to rank as one of the healthiest teams in the country through ten games. They will be without backup tight end Brady Hunt wo was injured last weekend, but Josiah Thompson is totally healthy after sitting out the Missouri game and will be back at left tackle according to Beamer. Also, receiver Jared Brown was banged up against Missouri and will be on a day-to-day watch. Otherwise, the Gamecocks are in good shape for the Terriers.
Wofford is 5-6 after losing to The Citadel last weekend. The Terriers are in their second full season under Shawn Watson who has been attempting to remake the Terriers’ offense from the triple-option days of Mike Ayers to the passing game of today. The transition has not gone smoothly. This season the Terriers are averaging just 17 points and 298 yards per game.
The series dates back to 1895, a 10-0 win by Wofford in Columbia. That was one of four wins by the Terriers over the Gamecocks who lead the series 20-4. In fact, Wofford won the first three meetings, and another in 1917. USC has won the last 17 since.
Key comments from Shane Beamer on Wofford
- Wofford will be excited about playing them, it’s their last game and won’t hold back, proud program with a lot of tradition, 37 players from South Carolina and they have good players, full respect for Wofford.
- A lot for them to get better about in all three phases, they have to focus on themselves and getting better in several areas.
- Wants the fans in the stadium early to honor what he calls a special group of seniors, a bunch of really good players.
- Proud of Nyck Harbor, he works his butt off, very appreciative of the opportunities he’s been given, he’s really developed.
- His teams have always gotten better as the season has gone on, and this week they need to get better, needs his guys to be focused in practice and meetings and so far he’s seen that.
- Regarding the future roster size, he’s planning for 105 total on the roster with 85 scholarships, but knows the limits could be adjusted.
- Thompson is healthy and ready to go at left tackle this week but also feels good about Tree Babalade, so they have two at left tackle they can count on; Brady Hunt is out, Jared Brown is wait and see for this week, all others look good from an injury standpoint.
Sec has everybody sticking at 85 next season.