Nov. 11, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina (4-5, 2-5 SEC) worked out at the Bluff Road practice fields on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for Saturday’s game at Florida (5-3, 4-3 SEC). Kickoff is set for Noon. The game will be televised live on the SEC Network with Dave Neal, Andre Ware and Laura Rutledge on the call.

Linebackers coach Kirk Botkin noted that sophomore linebacker Skai Moore has returned to practice. The Gamecock linebacker has 51 tackles in eight games, the second highest total on the team. The Gamecocks are aware of the challenges that the Florida run game will bring into Saturday’s contest with Florida rushing for 418 yards two weeks ago vs. Georgia and 214 last week vs. Vanderbilt.

“They’re pretty good,” said Botkin. “They have some good players, good offensive lineman, they got a couple of players banged up front, but they have two really good backs. (Matt Jones) is a big guy and (Kelvin Taylor) has a lot of moves, lots of speed likes to get on the edge. It’s going to be a challenge.”

Also back in practice is freshman defensive end David Johnson. Defensive line coach Deke Adams indicated that they have not named a starter yet at the end position.

Gamecock senior defensive tackle J.T. Surratt spoke about the Gators running ability and expects a physical game in the trenches.

“They have two backs that are really good and we have to prepare for an east-west game and a down south game,” said Surratt. They have stuff we have to look out for.”

The Gamecocks know they will face a talented quarterback in Florida freshman Treon Harris. South Carolina defensive backs coach Grady Brown saw Harris in high school and has seen his ability on the field.

“He’s a good football player,” said Brown. “He is from my recruiting area, I’ve watched him play a few years. He can throw the football; he is not just a running quarterback. We will have to be prepared to play a real solid game.”

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Wednesday afternoon.