Nov. 14, 2013

The No. 11/12 South Carolina football team practiced at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds” on Thursday afternoon. The Gamecocks (7-2, 5-2 SEC) are preparing for Saturday’s SEC Eastern Division showdown with the Florida Gators (4-5, 3-4 SEC).

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward is not concerned that his unit will take Florida’s offense for granted. “We know Florida has great players,” said Ward. “They’ve had some bad injuries, but I think our guys understand that they have capable players on the field. They can run. They can play physical up front. They’ve got athletes. And they’ve got speed outside.”

Ward is optimistic that safety Brison Williams, who sprained his ankle this week, will be available. “He worked out today. They ran him and cut him. I think he’s probably 70 percent. If he’s ready to play, he will start,” said Ward.

“We’ve got to play hard,” continued Ward. “We’ve got to play well. We’ve got to take care of our assignments. If we do, we have a chance to be successful. If we don’t then Florida will have a chance to be successful against us.”

Saturday’s game at a sold out Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. ESPN2 will have the national television broadcast with Joe Tessitore and Matt Millen in the booth and Maria Taylor working the sidelines.