So, things just got a bit dicey for South Carolina. Two of their main dudes on the O-line? Out. Kaput. Not even suiting up for Saturday’s game against Kentucky. Not ideal timing, to say the least. (On3)
Coach Beamer hopped on his usual Thursday radio gig and dropped the bad news: Cason Henry (right tackle) and Nolan Hay (center) are both sidelined. Ouch. (On3)
Henry’s been the rock—17 starts in a row, and then he tweaks something late against Vandy. Tried to tough it out in the Mizzou game, but nope, got hurt again literally on the first snap. Just brutal luck. (247Sports) As for Hay, the guy just took over at center after transferring in, and now he’s out too. Seriously, can this team catch a break? (247Sports)
When somebody asked Beamer if he’s got enough depth to plug these holes, he didn’t even flinch:
“We do have a lot of guys who have played football for us on the offensive line.” (247Sports)
I mean, what’s he gonna say? “No, we’re screwed”? Classic coach-speak.
It Gets Worse: Injuries Everywhere
The pain doesn’t stop with the O-line. South Carolina’s got more guys limping around. Defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and DB Buddy Mack III? Both probably out. DQ Smith and Judge Collier? Maybe—flip a coin. (247Sports)
Kentucky’s not exactly rolling out a full squad either. They’re missing Nic Smith, David Washington Jr., Elijah Brown, and Preston Bowman. DJ Waller Jr., one of their corners, is iffy at best. Oh, and their QB, Zach Calzada? He’s questionable too, which is kind of a big deal. (SI)
So… What Now?
Let’s be real: losing Henry and Hay is a gut punch for an offensive line that’s already been through the wringer. Beamer says he trusts his backups, but, like… what else is he gonna say? The real question is whether these new faces up front can keep the wheels from falling off.
On defense, the Gamecocks are patching holes left and right. If Kentucky’s QB situation goes sideways and they can’t run the ball, things could get ugly for them too.
Bottom line? This game’s gonna be less about who’s better and more about who’s left standing. Seriously, break out the bubble wrap.
South Carolina’s injury report vs Kentucky is basically the main storyline. Kickoff in Columbia’s gonna be wild—grab your popcorn.
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