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Practice report: Running game still stagnant
Mike Davis looks for running room in the Ole Miss defense in the fourth quarter.
Erik Campos/ecampos@thestate.com /Erk Campos
Posted on 10.08.08
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News of the day
Kenny McKinley’s return to full health could jazz up the Gamecocks’ offense.
The running game remains stagnant, ranking 99th in the country. Beyond blocking and running better, coach Steve Spurrier thinks misdirection plays could help.
“I think we’ve been real stale in our plays,” Spurrier said. “So hopefully we can get a little bit more misdirection stuff, a little something different occasionally. We have been a little conventional ... too much.”
The Gamecocks have yet to run a reverse. Spurrier said part of the reason is he doesn’t know who to run the play for. He added that McKinley, who was a high school quarterback, might be the best option. Chris Culliver, who ran a few reverses last season as a freshman, is a starting safety.
“Maybe we can run one or two (reverses) or fake one or two, just something like that to help the running game,” Spurrier said.
Stock rising
Receiver Moe Brown is coming off a three-catch, 67-yard performance at Mississippi. Spurrier was impressed with what Brown did after the catch, gaining about 15 yards each on screen passes.
Stock falling
Running back Brian Maddox is fourth on the depth chart and didn’t get a carry at Mississippi. Spurrier hinted that might have had to do with his performance the week before against Alabama-Birmingham, when he felt Maddox let up near the end of a touchdown following a reception.
“So maybe he got the message that’s not the way we want to play around here, because he didn’t play last week,” Spurrier said. “But maybe this week he’ll be back in there.”
Injury report
Reserve quarterback Tommy Beecher hurt his back during a weightlifting session, according to Spurrier, but was wearing a practice jersey Tuesday. Spurrier said tight end Jared Cook (right foot) would be “OK.”
Quote of the day
“If they are going to rally around their guy, they need to sort of pretend their momma’s back there passing, and maybe they wouldn’t fall on the ground.”
— Spurrier, after being asked if he thought the offensive line blocked better for certain quarterbacks
Extra points
Reserve quarterback Stephen Garcia could play at Kentucky. Spurrier said he hoped starter Chris Smelley would go the distance, but he would play Garcia “if the situation calls for it.” ... Right tackle Justin Sorensen had the best grade among offensive linemen against Mississippi.
Scouting report
Kentucky has an injury-riddled offensive line. Both starters on the right side are out, as is the backup right guard. Redshirt freshman Billy Joe Murphy, who started at right tackle at Alabama, could move to right guard, with sophomore Brad Durham taking his place.
— Seth Emerson
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