Nov. 20, 2013

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The No. 12/11 South Carolina football team practiced Wednesday afternoon at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds.” The Gamecocks (8-2, 6-2 SEC) are preparing for Saturday’s non-conference matchup with FCS instate rival Coastal Carolina (10-1, 4-1 Big South).

Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (foot) and running back Mike Davis (assorted) returned to practice on Wednesday. Those who remained sidelined included defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles (headache), safety Brison Williams (forearm), linebacker Cedrick Cooper (groin) and fullback Jordan Diaz (knee sprain).

Shon Carson is slated to make his first career start at running back on Saturday. “(Carson) did a great job last week,” said running backs coach Everette Sands. “We’re not taking that away from him. With Mike (Davis) being dinged, that plays a big part in it as well.”

“(Carson) brings speed, power and quickness,” said offensive line coach Shawn Elliott. “This guy can really get north and south very quickly. He runs hard. He’s got a great motor. It doesn’t take a whole lot to get him started. Just a small little crease and he can take it. He did a fine job last week. We were very pleased with how he performed. Hopefully he can have another big week for us.”

Coastal will present the Gamecock offense with some different challenges. “They line up in several different fronts,” noted Elliott. “I think they’ll do a little bit of that to change the pace for us. They’re well-prepared. They’re well-coached. We’ve got to be assignment-oriented and be well-prepared ourselves and go out and play a flawless contest.”

Saturday’s game at a sold out Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) is scheduled for 1 p.m. start. All seven of Carolina’s home football games this season are considered sellouts. The game will be available on a pay-per-view basis with the Gamecock radio team of Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs providing the call.