Oct. 31, 2011

University of South Carolina tailback Brandon Wilds has been selected as the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Week and Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week, it was announced today.

Wilds, a 6-1, 223-pounder from Blythewood, S.C., made his first collegiate start Saturday at Tennessee and responded with 137 yards rushing on 28 carries, an average of 4.9 yards per carry, in the Gamecocks’ 14-3 win. He was also Carolina’s top receiver with three catches for 31 yards, accounting for 168 of the Gamecocks’ 318 total offensive yards against the Vols.

On Carolina’s 20-play, 98-yard third quarter drive, Wilds carried the ball 11 times for 51 yards. He entered the game with just 13 carries on the season for 75 yards.

Wilds and the Gamecocks (7-1, 5-1 SEC) will return to the Bluff Road practice fields Monday night at 7 pm as they begin preparations for Saturday’s contest at Arkansas (7-1, 3-1 SEC).

The Gamecocks are ranked 10th in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY/Coaches poll this week, and check in at No. 9 in the BCS Standings. The Razorbacks are ranked ninth in both major polls and are No. 7 in the BCS Standings. Game time is set for 7:15 p.m. at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. ESPN will televise the contest nationally with Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Holly Rowe serving as the announce team.