Talking Tuesday: #Gamecocks ready to shake off last week, focus on Akron (AUDIO)

COLUMBUA:  Shane Beamer addressed the media, Tuesday, and said his team has put the loss to LSU behind them and shifted focus to Saturday’s game against Akron. The Gamecocks are 2-1 and could use a comfortable victory following a dicey opener against ODU, a physical contest at Kentucky and a gut-punch loss to LSU.

With the bye week looming, there has been speculation that the Gamecocks may opt to rest QB LaNorris Sellers’ injured ankle this week to get him close to full strength for the Ole Miss game on Oct. 5th. But Beamer indicated that Sellers will be ready to play, “LaNorris assures me he’s good and will be ready to roll, but Robby (Ashford) went into the LSU game as the second quarterback and came out of the LSU game as the second quarterback.”

Beamer acknowledged the urge to keep players healthy, but also emphasized the need for his team to “win the game Saturday.”

If South Carolina handles business against the Zips this weekend, the Gamecocks will be halfway to bowl eligibilty. Kickoff between USC and Akron is set for 7:30 p.m., Saturday.

Some key comments from Shane Beamer:

• Thanked Gamecocks fans for creating the atmosphere, Saturday. Says 52 players that have been offered by USC were in attendance and they’ve been raving about the environment. Points out that it was most watched noon game in 6 or 7 years
• Injury-wise, optimistic that all of the key guys will be available against Akron
• If Sellers can’t go at QB (but he expects him to be ready), Robby Ashford will be QB1, also says that Luke Doty will is “in the mix.” Didn’t feel that Sellers was where he needed to be to compete in second half but it’s all being evaluated daily
• On Gamecocks surrendering sacks: Thirteen sacks is way too many. We’ve played some pretty good defenses. But, certainly, it’s too many. It’s not just offensive line, it’s tight ends and running backs. You have to look at everything, including checking plays and protection at the line of scrimmage and personnel
• On Nyck Harbor’s development: He’s out there every day, trying to get better. Just like all the other guys, he’s continuing to progress
• On offense: Good decision-making from QBs and more comfort from offensive players. We change a lot in the scheme, especially, running game, week-to-week and our guys are picking that up well
• On calls he sent to SEC office: We don’t submit often because, “What’s the point?” Voiceover response comes from John McDaid (head of officiating) and I have great respect for him. Some that we can agree to disagree. But if we do what we’re supposed to do, doesn’t get to officials
• Mentions connections between USC and Akron head coach Joe Moorhead (on staff that beat the Gamecocks in Papa John’s Bowl while OC at UConn, Clayton White worked with him and Robby Ashford played for him at Oregon)
• We’ve put the ball on the ground seven times in the last two games. You’re not going to survive doing that
• Some recorded speeds in LSU game: Raheim Sanders and LaNorris Sellers were both clocked 20+ mph during their long TD runs, Saturday. Rocket (Sanders) was fastest at 21.1 mph. Knows King Ford and Mo Brown also exceeded 20 mph
• Message to kicker Alex Herrera following last-second miss: Keep your head up. We were in that position because of the kicks you made earlier in the game
• On lack of production for wide receiver Nyck Harbor, Beamer was not forthcoming about why the speedster hasn’t gotten more targets early in the season. When asked about what he sees from Harbor in practice, Beamer said “It looks like a guy that’s working hard to continue to get better. And a guy that works hard to continue to learn what we’re asking him to do. And a guy that’s working hard to catch the ball consistently, just like all of our receivers are.”

Shane Beamer press conference previewing Akron