Practice report: Gamecocks planning for talented Tennessee pass rush
Texas A&M star pass-rusher Myles Garrett was a non-factor last week, although the Aggies won.
South Carolina is looking for a repeat performance, with a better result.
“They’re a lot like Texas A&M. Very, very good defensive line,” quarterback Perry Orth said of Tennessee on Wednesday. “Linebackers are good, and so is their secondary.”
Despite not having all-star Curt Maggitt, the Volunteers have accumulated their share of sacks. Pressure will come from all areas against Orth.
Orth trusts his offensive line to keep him upright. Brandon Shell, who shut down Garrett, played one of his best games.
“I think they can do the exact same thing. All five of them, they do an outstanding job,” Orth said. “We got some protections in this week that will help.”
The Decade Club
Place-kicker Elliott Fry was asked if he knew who Josh Brown was. Fry didn’t.
Brown made history in 2005 when he booted a 49-yard field goal that was the winning points in USC’s first win at Neyland Stadium. Steve Spurrier, in his first year with the Gamecocks, stuck it to Tennessee again – and on the night Peyton Manning had his jersey retired.
Fry didn’t know of Brown’s Herculean kick, but was pleased to find out. He said he would have no problem causing lightning to strike twice.
“Definitely,” Fry said. “I don’t see why not.”
Give him a scholarship
Junior punter Sean Kelly is a walk-on no longer.
Kelly was awarded a scholarship at Wednesday’s practice, head coach Shawn Elliott announced via Twitter.
Kelly is averaging 41.7 yards per punt. He has had 17 punts downed inside the 20, which ranks second in the SEC.
Knocked out
Shawn Elliott said earlier Wednesday that wide receiver Deebo Samuel practiced normally on Tuesday, but was held out for a final part. There was hope he may be able to return to the field this season.
Steve Spurrier Jr. said on Wednesday that Samuel (who was in yellow again) tweaked the same hamstring on a long pass route. He’s out for Saturday.
Carrying the banner
USC has no Tennessee natives on its roster. The Volunteers have one South Carolinian – RB Joe Young, from Winnsboro and Fairfield-Central High School.
Vols running backs coach Robert Gillespie held the same position at USC from 2006-08.
Fashion update
The Gamecocks will wear white jerseys and black pants on Saturday. It’s the same combo they wore in 2005.
Red cross report
Players who were injured or wore yellow jerseys were: WR Pharoh Cooper (thigh, should practice Thursday), Samuel (hamstring), SS Antoine Wilder (leg), DT Taylor Stallworth (illness), TE Connor Redmond (back), QB Gage Pucci (knee) and C Cody Waldrop (ankle). WR Shaq Davidson (knee) and WR Jerad Washington (left leg) are out for the season.
Gamecocks vs. Volunteers
Who: South Carolina (3-5, 1-5 SEC) at Tennessee (4-4, 2-3)
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
TV: SEC Network (TWC Ch. 384)
Line: Tennessee by 16 1/2
This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 6:45 PM with the headline "Practice report: Gamecocks planning for talented Tennessee pass rush."