Oct. 25, 2012

The University of South Carolina football squad practiced Thursday afternoon at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds”.

The No. 17/16 Gamecocks (6-2, 4-2 SEC) will host the Tennessee Volunteers (3-4, 0-4 SEC) on Saturday, October 27. Game time is set for Noon ET. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with Dave Pasch and Brian Griese in the booth and Jenn Brown working the sidelines.

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward confirmed that defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles would not be available on Saturday, due a shoulder injury suffered two weeks ago at LSU. “He’s improved and did some running around on the field the last couple of days with the trainers and they feel really good that he’ll be back after having an off week next week and be ready to play against Arkansas,” said Ward. J.T. Surratt is expected to make the start in place of Quarles.

Ward knows his defense will be challenged by the outstanding wide receiver tandem from Tennessee. “I think they’re the best two receivers on one team probably in the SEC,” noted Ward. “They’re both averaging over 14 yards a reception. Both have big play ability. They’re big guys that can run and play the ball very well. They’re going to present a big challenge for us in the perimeter.”

The Gamecocks will have their weekly walk-thru on Friday.