Oct. 29, 2015

The University of South Carolina football team worked out Thursday afternoon at the new Gamecock Park practice facility.

The Gamecocks (3-4, 1-4 SEC) and Texas A&M Aggies (5-2, 2-2 SEC) will meet at newly-renovated Kyle Field in College Station, Texas on Saturday. Game time is set for noon Eastern (11 am CT) and the game will be televised on the SEC Network with Tom Hart, Andre Ware and Laura Rutledge providing the commentary.

Co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke has to have his defense ready for two different quarterbacks who could see action on Saturday. “(Kyler) Murray is a tremendous athlete,” said Hoke. “He’s going to pull it and run around. He can create plays in space by himself. He’s a very good athlete. (Kyle) Allen is more your typical drop back quarterback who can move and does move around in the pocket, but Murray is going to be more on the move.

“You go in with a general game plan because they’re not going to change their offense a ton, but you have to have awareness if Murray is the starter,” continued Hoke. “You might have to alter your calls a little bit and do some things a little different, but not drastically out of your game plan.”

The Gamecocks will look to neutralize Texas A&M’s speed and tempo, which gave them fits a year ago. “It’s always a challenge,” noted Hoke. “We have to make sure we get the calls in, make sure we get lined up and get ready to play. They’re going to make you play in space. That’s what we have to make sure we’re ready to do.”

Freshman Christian Kirk has been a difference maker in his first season for the Aggies. “He’s very talented,” said Hoke. “They find ways to get him the ball. He’s very explosive with the ball in his hand. He’s quick and has good speed. He’s a talented athlete.”

The Gamecocks will have a walk-thru on Friday afternoon before flying into Houston later in the day.