Talking Tuesday: Gamecocks Beamer frustrated by consecutive losses but encouraging players to “cut it loose” against Kentucky (AUDIO)

South Carolina will play host to Kentucky for a 4:15 p.m. kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday. The Gamecocks have won four straight over the UK, including a 35-13 victory last season. USC looks vulnerable, however, after dropping seven consecutive SEC games dating back to last season. This also appears a different breed of Wildcats under offensive-minded head coach Will Stein.

The Gamecocks appear to be at a crossroads following the suspension of edge rusher Dylan Stewart. Will USC rally behind its head coach and rebound from a dismal road performance or wilt under pressure? Saturday’s home game against the 3-1 Wildcats should go a long way to determining what direction this season will take for the club.

Oddsmakers see the game as a virtual tossup with the Gamecocks favored by 2.5 points.

Shane Beamer key comments

• Beamer praises Kentucky coach Will Stein who he knew while together at Oklahoma and when Stein was a Texas HS coach. His offense presents lots of problems, including rushing for over 200 yds per game
• No one more upset about performance at Alabama than him. “It’s on me.” Beamer is “as frustrated as the fans” about last two SEC losses
• Beamer says “we need an electric atmosphere” Saturday vs. Kentucky
• Beamer reviewed all the positives and negatives from the Alabama game and the team got right back to it Sunday. Many goals still ahead. USC not “getting doors blown off for 4 quarters.” Have a good football team and it’s his job to get them to play like it.
• After 2 straight SEC losses he knows there is lots of talk. “You deserve the criticism. I would be ticked off at me too.” He relies on Scripture to help inspire him to keep working. “We had a hell of a practice today…..we have some great young men…….they are hurting too.”
• Beamer thinks USC has four great freshman at safety despite shortcomings when asked about not bringing 4 year starter DQ Smith back for 5th year after Court rulings.
• More on Stewart: he was in the team meeting Sunday when Beamer announced his decision to suspend him. Conduct “Can’t be a pick and choose.” and “Saturday night was not acceptable, but he’s a good kid.”
• Defensive players have to be a whole lot better about executing, coaches better at coaching, including him. Offense scored over 30 again, one of nine teams with over 400 yards in first four games. “We are playing really good football upfront,” wide receivers blocking well. “Our ability to run the football has got to continue.”
• On if USC players may be trying too hard and putting too much pressure on themselves? Beamer: Maybe so. “We’ve got a really good bunch of young members on this team.” Have to be careful not to try to be perfect. Still telling his players, “Go play free” and “play aggressive and turn it loose.”
• On USC not scoring the last two games on early drives: Its details. Field shrinks. Can’t take penalties.
• Stewart basically has to show he lives up to the standards of the program. How is Stewart handling it? Beamer has had emotional conversations with Stewart Sunday, Monday, and talked to his Mom Sunday night. But did not give details of talks. Before SEC suspension Monday it would have been easy to fine Stewart and let him play to help beat Kentucky, but “The right thing to do is the hard thing to do” and Beamer suspended him. In 5-10 years, Beamer hopse Stewart thinks “He was trying to help me. I will be there for him and I will always have his back.”

Shane Beamer press conference