For the second straight week, South Carolina is preparing to play without one of its top players.

Last week, it was receiver Deebo Samuel. This week, it’s linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury and facing surgery. Though Allen-Williams expects to come back next season.

It comes a week when the Gamecocks will face Kellen Mond and Texas A&M, a mobile quarterback who rushed for 109 yards on 10 carries last week in the win over Arkansas. Mond was also 14-for-17 passing for 216 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Allen-Williams’ absence is key because he was valuable especially in the passing game as somewhat of an extra defensive back at times.

Linebacker Skai Moore, who himself knows what Allen-Williams is going through because he missed last season with a neck injury, told reporters  it comes down to reading the backfield, and the movement of the quarterback and running back.

“It’s always tough to defend a mobile quarterback because you’re outnumbered when it comes to the blockers and stuff,” Moore said. “Someone has to win on a block, but you’ve got to make plays and make it happen.”

Moore added that he’s talked with his teammate about his situation.

“I gave him advice on what to prepare for mentally,” he said. “He’ll be fine, he’s a positive dude.”

But Moore said he hasn’t yet heard from defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson if he would be asked to take on a different role.

“If T-Rob says we’ve got to do something a little extra, then I’m ready for it,” Moore said. “Until he says that, I’m doing whatever I’ve got to do within in the scheme.”

It appears that a host of players will chip in to fill the void left by Allen-Williams’ absence.

“It’s going to be a combination of guys,” coach Will Mushcamp said, according to The State. “I think Dennis Wonnum is playing really good football for us. He’s a guy who can play both end and Buck. We’re kind of borrowing back and forth between positions right now. Keir Thomas is playing inside and outside. Dante (Sawyer is) playing inside and outside. Brad Johnson’s a man that needs to keep coming. Danny Fennell had a couple good pressures (vs La Tech), I believe had our only sack.”