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Will Muschamp updates injuries, explains why QB Jake Bentley played entire game against Akron
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South Carolina concluded the regular season with a 28-3 win against Akron on Saturday, but the victory came at a price.
Senior offensive lineman Zack Bailey broke his fibula on a play late in the game, Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp said following the contest. Bailey will miss the team’s bowl game, which will be announced Sunday, but Muschamp believes a few other banged-up players should return by then.
Muschamp: Zack Bailey broke his fibula. He's going to be fine, but will obviously miss the bowl game.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) December 1, 2018
Muschamp: Shi Smith had back spasms flare up on Wednesday. Keir Thomas has an ankle that kept him out, but should be back for the bowl. Keisean Nixon has a shoulder and should be back for the bowl.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) December 1, 2018
Muschamp was also asked why senior quarterback Michael Scarnecchia didn’t get any playing time in his final home game in favor of junior starter Jake Bentley.
Muschamp on why JB stayed in the game: "The ball-handling was awful. They were loading the box in the run game and forcing us to throw the football. Could have given some guys some other snaps, but at the end of the day, we weren’t taking care of the ball."#Gamecocks
— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) December 1, 2018
Indeed, the Gamecocks had four turnovers — three in the second half — amid rainy conditions Saturday. Bentley threw two interceptions but completed 14 of 27 passes for 199 yards and three scores.
South Carolina finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. The Gamecocks played this weekend because their September non-conference game against Marshall was canceled due to Hurricane Florence.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
