Will Muschamp provides injury update going into Kentucky week
South Carolina is hoping to take the momentum from its 20-15 win over East Carolina to get back on track in conference play.
Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp provided an injury update in his Sunday media conference call. It appears the offense could be getting a boost heading into the UK game:
Muschamp hopeful that WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring) should be able to play Saturday at Kentucky. No injuries out of ECU game.
— David Caraviello (@dcaraviello) September 18, 2016
Freshman RB Rico Dowdle could be back next week from groin injury. "We plan on playing him if he gets back," Muschamp said.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshatTheState) September 18, 2016
He also talked about moving forward with Brandon McIlwain as the starting quarterback:
Muschamp: Trying to simplify as much as possible with a freshman QB. USC had nine explosive plays and got four turnovers.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) September 18, 2016
McIlwain will be "day to day" in talking to the media. Right now, Muschamp needs to worry about being QB1, not talk to media.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) September 18, 2016
Muschamp on handling freshmen, especially at QB: The good thing about Brandon is he has confidence in himself.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) September 18, 2016
Muschamp identified a problem area on defense in the ECU game, which could be an issue against Kentucky:
Muschamp: We were soft in the run game about the third series. Wildcat hurt USC throughout.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) September 18, 2016
UK offensive coordinator Gran seems to like the Wildcat package and Snell scored out of it on Saturday. https://t.co/rDljOKR3da
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) September 18, 2016
He also shared his thoughts on UK coach Mark Stoops and his past as defensive coordinator:
Muschamp: Great respect for Mark (Stoops). He's a good friend.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) September 18, 2016
Muschamp: Have Stoops brothers' influence helped him? Oh yeah. Lot of defensive principles have been borrowed.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) September 18, 2016