Wilds set to receive start at running back in place of ailing Davis
Last Thursday, one team put up 52 points and 680 total yards of offense in their season opener at Williams-Brice.
It wasn’t South Carolina.
Texas A&M claimed those numbers, while the Gamecocks put up 28 points and 433 yards of total offense in last Thursday’s matchup.
Despite an unusual game for South Carolina, in which the Gamecocks trailed every time they touched the ball, many concerns arose regarding the productivity of an offensive unit that returns experienced performers at every skill position.
A big question for the Gamecocks is junior running back Mike Davis, who led the SEC East last season with 1,183 rushing yards and was expected to carry the load in a crowded backfield heading into 2014.
After a rib injury limited Davis to 15 yards on six carries in the opener, the tailback’s condition moving forward is cloudy to say the least. Head coach Steve Spurrier labeled Davis as “probable” on
Tuesday, a day after labeling the junior as “sort of doubtful.”
Should Davis be limited, the door will open for redshirt junior Brandon Wilds to make his sixth career start. Wilds, who led the team with 45 yards on nine carries Thursday, said he isn’t concerned with the rampant speculation ahead of Saturday’s tilt with East Carolina.
“You’ve just got to tell yourself that you’re ready anytime your name could be called,” Wilds said. “It’s hard being patient, but I just have to be ready when the time comes.”
Spurrier made it clear this week that a concerted effort will be made to get David Williams touches out of the backfield. The redshirt freshman had been impressive in practice with his combination of size and speed, but he didn’t record a carry in the season opener.
The Gamecocks averaged just three yards on their 22 carries against the Aggies, leading many to believe that the lack in pass and run balance was at the root of their offensive woes.
But senior quarterback Dylan Thompson insisted it’s his job to right the ship.
“Any time anybody asks about offense … the first person they’re asking about is the quarterback,” he said. “My role on this team is to be somebody everybody can look to no matter what the situation is.”
If South Carolina is to avoid an 0-2 start, the Gamecocks will need to put up points. While many faces have changed on the East Carolina defense, Thompson will look to recapture the magic of his first career start against the Pirates in 2012 when he threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
Still, Thompson is by no means overlooking his opponent out of the American Athletic Conference after completing 50 percent of his passes a week ago.
“They’re active,” Thompson said. “They got some guys that can run, and we’ve got to be sharp with our route running and my reads.”
Spurrier noted that the Gamecocks’ protection must improve significantly following Thursday’s performance in order for the offense to succeed Saturday. As a result, co-offensive coordinator Shawn Elliot announced that redshirt junior Will Sport will get the nod at right guard this week, while redshirt freshman Alan Knott is likely to start at center.
Another player to look out for this weekend is receiver Shaq Roland.
After lofty expectations set the junior up to follow in the footsteps of Sidney Rice, Alshon Jeffery and Bruce Ellington, the junior was virtually invisible against Texas A&M, recording just one catch for two yards.
Redshirt senior Nick Jones, on the other hand, emerged as Thompson’s go-to deep threat with a 113-yard, two-touchdown performance. Although Jones refused to be satisfied with his effort
Thursday, his faith in South Carolina was through the roof.
“I’m so confident in this team. I always believe we can bounce back after a loss,” Jones said. “Coach Spurrier does everything in his power after a loss to make changes and get it right for the next
week.”