Nov. 19, 2015

The University of South Carolina football squad worked out for about 90 minutes on the new Gamecock Park practice fields on Thursday afternoon.

The Gamecocks (3-7) are preparing for a Saturday, Nov. 21, non-conference instate matchup with the Southern Conference co-champion Citadel Bulldogs (7-3). Game time is set for noon and the contest will be televised on the SEC Network ALT channel with Taylor Zazour and Charles Arbuckle in the booth and Paul Finebaum working the sidelines. In addition, SEC Nation will be broadcasting live from 10 am to noon in Gamecock Park.

Facing the triple-option offense that the Citadel runs will be a unique experience for defensive coordinator Jon Hoke, who has spent the last several years in the NFL, where he did not face that attack. “No we did not,” said Hoke of seeing the triple-option in the NFL. “It’s been awhile (since I’ve seen it). I was fortunate at San Diego State, we did face Air Force and Hawaii, so I have that background. And the staff has been great,” Hoke added. “They’ve dealt with it. It’s been awhile, but they’ve dealt with it and we have a lot of resources. We’ve had coaches talk to (former Citadel back) Everette (Sands). He’s been good. He’s been very helpful.

“They’ve seen it all,” continued Hoke about the Citadel’s attack. “We’ve got to do a good job of keep changing up what we do and make sure our speed takes over. We have got to play fast. Everything they do is for a reason. Whether they window dress it or a way to get a guy to block or to arc block better, they do it for a reason. We’ve just have to be on top of our keys. That’s going to be huge for us,” noted Hoke.

Hoke noted that Taylor Stallworth will play on Saturday. Stallworth has been sidelined with a chest injury. “He’s had two good days of work,” said Hoke.