Notebook: Wilds, Knott injuries remain a concern for USC

South Carolina running back Brandon Wilds and center Alan Knott are questionable for Saturday’s game against Missouri because of injuries.

“I don’t know if those two guys are going to get back or not,” Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Sunday. “Both of them are going to try to this week.”

Wilds (bruised ribs) and Knott (high ankle sprain) each missed Saturday’s 31-14 win against UCF. Wilds was replaced in the starting lineup by Shon Carson, and Knott was replaced by freshman Zack Bailey.

Forward progress

South Carolina is 11th in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 172 yards per game on the ground, but Spurrier was encouraged by holding UCF to 26 yards on 23 carries Saturday.

“We did play well against the run,” he said. “We got a lot of guys up there and stuffed them pretty good. UCF has not been a real good offensive team, but it was very encouraging to hold them down. That was our best defensive game so far.”

New faces

Spurrier singled out linebacker T.J. Holloman, who had two interceptions while making his first start of the season, and nickel back T.J. Gurley, who led the Gamecocks with 10 tackles against the Knights.

“Our two T.J. guys had excellent games,” Spurrier said.

Tigers rebounding

After winning three in a row to start the season, Missouri lost 21-13 to Kentucky on Saturday night in Lexington, Ky. The Wildcats beat South Carolina 26-22 in Williams-Brice Stadium this year.

“Both teams are pretty good,” Spurrier said. “Missouri has the same coaching staff they have had for quite a while. They have their style of offense and defense, and it’s been pretty doggone good.”

By the numbers

South Carolina is second in the SEC in turnover margin at plus-one per game. The Gamecocks’ seven forced turnovers is the second-highest total in the SEC behind Ole Miss’ 10. … Three teams in the SEC have lost fewer yards to penalties that the Gamecocks, who have lost 42.5 yards per game because of violations. … Despite converting seven of 16 third downs Saturday, the Gamecocks remain 12th in the SEC in third-down conversions, having converted 36.4 percent for the season.

This story was originally published September 27, 2015 at 6:05 PM.