Sept. 14, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – 10th ranked South Carolina (2-0) continued preparation on Wednesday for Saturday’s game vs. Navy (2-0). Kickoff for the home opener on Saturday is set for 6 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium with the game televised live on ESPN2.

Following Wednesday’s practice, offensive line coach and running game coordinator Shawn Elliott spoke to the media.

“It’s a typical week, trying to get prepared for a good Navy team,” said Coach Elliott.

Elliott also acknowledged the five starting Gamecock offensive linemen played every offensive snap last week at Georgia. A strong, consistent group, Elliot mentioned that the starting five is ready to go the whole game again, if necessary.

“If (the starters) can play 99 reps and get it done and win, that is who we are going to play,” added Elliott.

Junior center T.J. Johnson also spoke and talked about the team’s test against an undefeated Navy squad.

“It’s an honor to play Navy but we are not taking them lightly at all,” said Johnson. “They have a great running game (on offense) and we are studying their defense as much as possible.”

Running backs coach Jay Graham also spoke and had a few questions on the injury to freshman tailback Shon Carson in last weeks’s game at Georgia. With Carson now sidelined, junior tailbacks Eric Baker and Kenny Miles are expected to contribute behind starting tailback Marcus Lattimore.

“It was difficult (to see Carson go down),” said Graham. “It was a good play and he just got hit when he made a cut. He’s a freshman and will get a chance to redshirt. Eric (Baker) is now in the mix and Kenny (Miles) is doing well.