Since South Carolina lost its Sept. 15 game against Marshall because of the impending arrival of Hurricane Florence, there has been discussion about replacing that game on the schedule, presumably for Dec. 1.

LB Bryson Allen-Williams told reporters Tuesday that the team is preparing to play six more games, but they don’t know who the opponent would be on Dec. 1.

Shortly after the cancellation, Athletics Director Ray Tanner explained the decision-making process for filling the schedule.

“The October 20 date is an open date for us, but it also puts us in a position to play 10 straight weekends,” Tanner said. “Would that be in your best interest? If we can make it to the championship game, you’re playing on December 1. If you’re not, is that a viable date? I think it’s way too early to start speculating what might happen. We’ll take a look and we’ll probably pursue playing that 12th game if possible.”

Previously, the hang ups for that date were the high school football state championships, but those have been pushed back. And earlier in the season, coach Will Muschamp held out that the Gamecocks could still make the SEC Championship. Now that the schedule appears open to playing that date, it seems plans are moving in the direction of an announcement.

Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Marshall are among the teams possibly in the mix to be the opponent. That date is contingent on those teams not making their respective conference championship games.