Oct. 1, 2015

The University of South Carolina football team (2-2, 0-2 SEC) worked out at their new practice facility on Wednesday afternoon as they continue preparations for Saturday’s SEC Eastern Division showdown with the Missouri Tigers (3-1, 0-1 SEC). The battle for the Columbia Cup will be televised on the SEC Network beginning at noon ET with Tom Hart and Andre Ware in the booth and Laura Rutledge working the sidelines.

The Gamecock defense will be facing a freshman quarterback in Drew Lock. “They’ve played him in every game,” said co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke. “You can tell he has a very strong arm. He knows where to go with the ball. He understands their offense. When he has played, he’s looked very poised.”

Hoke doesn’t anticipate doing much differently despite Mizzou’s change in quarterbacks. “They’re going to run their offense,” said Hoke. “The only thing that was a little bit different… this guy is mobile, but he’s not “Mauk-mobile.” He can move in the pocket. So you don’t really change that much from what you were going to do from a schematic standpoint. You may change the way you do certain things or call certain things, but for the most part, you’re going to defend what they do.”

Hoke was happy with the play of linebackers Skai Moore and T.J. Holloman. “Obviously, last week it worked. They played well together. They know each other and they know the scheme. It’s just their knowledge of the defense that helps us.”

Hoke noted the cornerback Chris Lammons would likely be available on Saturday after missing the past few games with a knee injury. Brandon Wilds and Deebo Samuel were among those who did not practice on Thursday.

The Gamecocks will have a walk-thru on Friday afternoon before flying to Columbia, Mo.