One of the biggest storylines in the SEC is the quarterback change at South Carolina following the mid-foot sprain suffered by QB Jake Bentley, which caused the team to turn to freshman Ryan Hilinski this week.

With the disappointing effort against North Carolina, Hilinski is the face of a possible turnaround for the Gamecocks, but the team has a slew of other issues. Coach Will Muschamp has made changes on the offensive line, but the backfield was one of the few bright spots from the season-opening loss. There were also problems on defense as the Gamecocks gave up two scoring drives of 90-plus yards.

The team is expected to learn later this week if Bentley’s injury will require surgery, or if he’ll be out a minimum of six weeks.

Here’s what Muschamp discussed on the SEC media teleconference:

  • On starting freshman QB: The biggest thing is doing what he is comfortable with, Ryan had a good day in practice, Dakereon (Joyner) too… We have to play well around him and do the things he is comfortable with.
  • On DL Aaron Sterling, Jake Bentley, WR OreTre Smith: Haven’t heard anything on Jake, probably won’t be until Thursday on that, OrTre is questionable, Sterling practicing this morning
  • On fallout from Hurricane: The way that goes, I go with what AD Ray Tanner tells me, but we are good to go
  • Nick Muse: We haven’t heard anything there, don’t know anything more than I knew two weeks ago
  • On how the team has responded this week: We have good leadership on this team, I’ve been pleased. The first few weeks are always a little sluggish due to class starting up but practice today was much better than it was to start the week.