Nov. 5, 2015

The University of South Carolina football worked out for 90 minutes at their new practice facility on Thursday afternoon.

The Gamecocks (3-5, 1-5 SEC) are preparing for their trip to Knoxville where they will take on the Tennessee Volunteers (4-4, 2-3 SEC) in another SEC Eastern Division showdown on Saturday. The game is set to kick at 4 p.m. ET and will be televised on the SEC Network with Tom Hart, Andre Ware and Laura Rutledge providing the commentary.

The Gamecock defense will try to build off a second half at Texas A&M in which they limited the Aggies to just seven points and 161 yards of offense. “Really, there weren’t a whole lot of changes,” said defensive coordinator Jon Hoke of the calls between the first half and second half. “When Skai (Moore) came over, he was just frustrated as much as anything. Really, it was the same calls (we ran in the first half). We executed better. They took ownership of it. The first half we had a lot of guys not doing their job correctly, whether it be technique or assignment. Then after that first drive in the beginning of the third quarter, we settled down a little bit and played better, more gap control sound, better with their coverage assignments, better with their blitz pickups.”

Hoke is fine with having his players make suggestions during the game. “I think it’s pretty common,” he said. “Players are on the field playing, and you listen. I’ve always been around where I want feedback from my players. I think it’s great.”

For the second week in a row, the Gamecocks will face a team with a running quarterback. Last week it was Kyler Murray for Texas A&M and this week Tennessee features Joshua Dobbs. “(Dobbs) can run the ball, but a different style of runner (than Murray),” said Hoke. “Murray is really quick, but not as big. This guy is a big man, a very powerful runner. He’s something else. He’s quite a guy to watch, that’s for sure. It’s a little bit different (than A&M),” continued Hoke. “You’ll get a little more zone read concept possibly with A&M. (Tennessee) will run the power game, the power read with this guy. It’s almost like a running back would.”

The Gamecocks will have a new starter at safety, as D.J. Smith will get the nod ahead of Jordan Diggs. “D.J. will start the game,” confirmed Hoke. “They’re both going to play. They both know that. We had a good conversation, so they’re all good to go.”

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