Gamecocks down key offensive piece, 2 defensive starters tonight vs. Kentucky
South Carolina will be without an important offensive piece on Saturday at Kentucky.
Running back Christian Beal-Smith was not listed on USC’s official travel roster. He was wearing a boot and riding a scooter earlier this week, The State has learned.
Head coach Shane Beamer did not address Beal-Smith’s status this week. It wasn’t immediately known if it was the same foot injury that sidelined him in the summer and to start the season.
Beal-Smith had 15 carries for 70 yards and three touchdowns in wins over S.C. State and Charlotte the last two weeks. He has established himself as the Gamecocks’ backup tailback behind MarShawn Lloyd.
The Gamecocks are also going to be without defensive tackle Alex “Boogie” Huntley, receiver Corey Rucker, safety R.J. Roderick and offensive lineman Trai Jones, per the team’s travel roster.
Huntley suffered a foot injury during the first quarter of the loss at Arkansas. He had played sparingly in the win over S.C. State, but came out of the game limping and didn’t return.
South Carolina is expected to get a handful of defensive starters back in the fold this week. Beamer said on his radio show Thursday night that the Gamecocks should have defensive backs Darius Rush and David Spaulding back for Saturday night’s contest.
Kentucky, meanwhile, is down quarterback Will Levis (foot). Backup QB Kaiya Sheron is expected to start for the Wildcats.
Kickoff is 7:39 p.m. on SEC Network.
This story was originally published October 8, 2022 at 6:21 PM.
