Sept. 10, 2015

The University of South Carolina football squad (1-0, 0-0 SEC) worked out on Thursday afternoon as they fine-tuned their preparations for Saturday night’s SEC Eastern Division showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 SEC).

The Gamecock defense came up with four sacks in the season opener against North Carolina, a vast improvement from a year ago when the squad recorded just 14 sacks in 13 games. “I thought we got better as the game went,” said co-defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward of the pressure they were able to put on the Tar Heel quarterback. “Early in the game, I think the speed of it was bothering us. I think as the game went, we settled down, we got more pressure. A lot of this unit wasn’t here last year,” continued Coach Ward. “I’m sure that for the guys that played last year, it feels good.”

Coach Ward noted that starting cornerback Chris Lammons is doubtful for Saturday’s game due to sore ribs. Al Harris Jr. and Rico McWilliams are the probable starters at the cornerback position. Taylor Stallworth is expected to remain the starter at defensive tackle ahead of Dante Sawyer, according to Coach Ward.

Saturday’s contest, which is scheduled to kick at 7:39 p.m. ET, will be televised on the SEC Network with Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer in the booth and Maria Taylor on the sidelines.