KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The South Carolina Gamecocks are looking forward to playing Tennessee's new starting quarterback Justin Worley.
Worley, a true freshman, has little college experience but led Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, S.C., to a state title and undefeated season last year. Those wins came against many of the Gamecocks' players.
"I'll get a little payback for the boys back at home. It was rough out there for them. I'm certainly going to be thinking about that when I go out on the field this time," said South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles, whose Greenwood High lost 42-10 to Northwestern in the state championship game last season.
This year's meeting between No. 14 South Carolina and Tennessee certainly has a youthful tenor to it.
True freshman running back Brandon Wilds will make his first start for the Gamecocks (6-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) in place of star Marcus Lattimore, who led the SEC in rushing for much of the year until suffering a season-ending knee injury against Mississippi State. Sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw will try to find some offensive rhythm in his third start since replacing fifth-year senior Stephen Garcia, who was eventually dismissed for failing an alcohol test.
Meanwhile, the Vols (3-4, 0-4) will look to its young defense to expose Shaw and Wilds' weaknesses while hoping an offensive line full of sophomores will protect Worley long enough for him to get the ball to his receivers. Tennessee coach Derek Dooley decided to start Worley in place of Matt Simms, who struggled against No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama after taking over for Tyler Bray, who broke his thumb.
"We're going against the SEC East champs and they stroked us there last year," Dooley said. "They have had a couple of personnel issues as well, but it hasn't really affected them too much because they have found a way to win. We have to focus on improving and we will see how we go this week."
Garcia threw for 223 yards and a touchdown and ran for two more scores as South Carolina beat Tennessee 38-24 last year in Columbia. The Gamecocks have only won once in Knoxville in 15 tries, though.
With two of its three top offensive playmakers from last year's SEC East championship team gone, South Carolina is relying on its defense to keep alive the hopes for a repeat title. The Gamecocks are tied for the East lead with Georgia but own the head-to-head tiebreaker with their September win against the Bulldogs.
The South Carolina defense is giving up just 277.6 yards per game, ranking it seventh in the nation, and has 14 interceptions this season. Assistant head coach Ellis Johnson's unit is top in the nation in pass defense, having allowed 133.7 yards passing per game and logged 15 sacks.
And Dooley acknowledges he doesn't quite know how Worley will react to the stout defensive line that helps produce those stats.
Worley spent most of the year as the third-stringer behind Bray and Simms, but Dooley said he saw the freshman step up after Bray's injury. The extent of Worley's playing time was five plays in Tennessee's loss at Alabama last week, though he passed for 5,315 yards and a state-record 64 touchdowns as a high school senior.
"Ellis is going to be licking his chops," Dooley said. "We just need to make this move. It's not something that is done on a whim. We have a lot of data to make a switch. We don't have a lot of data on Justin."
The Gamecocks' switch at running back wasn't by choice, but they've had a bye week to better prepare him for his starting role. Though he only has 13 carries for 75 yards this season, he's shown some speed and power that could give him the chance to do well against the Vols as long as he gets some help.
"Brandon Wilds is a good running back," Spurrier said. "If we get the ball enough a block a little bit, he certainly can make some yards. But we've still got to block, which we haven't blocked quite as well I think this year as we did last year. We'll see how it goes Saturday night."
The Vols will be turning to some freshmen of their own to stop Wilds and trip up Shaw, who threw for four touchdowns and 311 yards against Kentucky but just one touchdown, 155 yards and two interceptions against Mississippi State.
Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson was named SEC freshman of the week after logging 13 tackles against Alabama, and his 45 tackles this season lead all SEC freshman and the Vols defense. Freshman free safety Brian Randolph had 17 total tackles against the Crimson Tide and LSU and is ready for Shaw, Wilds and top wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who had a 70-yard touchdown against Tennessee last year.
"You can't shy away from contact," Randolph said. "That will get you on the bench very fast. If it's your job to tackle, then you have to tackle. You have to keep coming back. You can't shy away from anyone."
___
AP Sports Writer Pete Iacobelli in Columbia, S.C., contributed to this story.
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Comments » 41
KingDanno (Inactive) writes:
i'm a half glass full kinda guy and as loyal as they come, but watching simms play is just painful. who's the 3rd string?
ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:
Remember that you can't spell failure without UF
lomas98 writes:
"We just need to make this move. It's not something that is done on a whim. We have a lot of data to make a switch. We don't have a lot of data on Justin."
I saw this quote earlier in the week and thought it was a misprint. If he has a lot of data to make a switch, but doesn't have a lot of data on Justin, then what data does he have to make a switch and it not be whim?
I really hope this works out, but if it doesn't could really hurt Dooley. I just hope it is close and interesting in the 4th quarter unlike most of the SEC games we have played since last year.
CarlChilders writes:
The data is on Simms.
VolinCalif writes:
Worley's quick release and good vision will be the big difference tomorrow.The TE's and Backs will be busy all game. SS is going to through the visors and cry about recruiting. It's going to be fun. We will not only win we are starting a run. We'll run the table.
Go
Vols
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
Big difference is Spurrier can coach and Dooley is lost. Really don't even want to watch. He's that bad.
SummittsCourt writes:
Then don't watch and while you are at it, don't both posting your garbage you waste of flesh.
SummittsCourt writes:
At some point in the game spurrier will mouth the words "We blew it not recruiting this kid".
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor hear sexually confused stalkers say these types of things ....over and over and over.
Bones never lie.
UTVOL2001 writes:
What he means is that he has enough data to make A switch. He did not say he had enough data to make THE switch. It was just that JW was next. I had to read that a few times as well. Is a little confusing.
KenRan (Inactive) writes:
I bet there'll be some Andy Griffith reruns on for you to watch...if not...there's always the Weather Channel.
UTVOL2001 writes:
Please dont watch then! I bet you will and you will be back on here Sunday am with some other BS. Again, please dont watch it!
FWBVol writes:
When Tennessee wins Saturday the trolls will still try to spin things in some sort of warped way. They will suggest that Dooley didn't outcoach Spurrier and that we only won because Lattimore was hurt or something like that.
Negative fans and trolls will find a way to look and the dark side no matter how positive things might seem. It's in their DNA so we might as well learn to tolerate it because nothing we say is going to change it. I'm as guilty as the next guy about going off on them, but maybe if we ignore these sad saps they will fade away. We know they will change screen names.
TommyJack writes:
I'm getting it now. You get paid by the response, not by the post. I'm a little slow.
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
Isn't Lattimore their best player? We'd never use that excuse for Dooley. Especially not with Florida or Georgia. Appreciate the integrity. Won't happen though, Dooley's lost against Spurrier. Come back tomorrow night.
STLVOLS writes:
If ever the time to get a signature win, Saturday is it.
In meantime best game I have seen all year (and I have seen a lot) was Cardinals over Rangers in game six of World Series last night in STL. Tonight is sudden death in game 7.
GBO and STL Cardinals; UTK grad, former Knoxville native living in STL suburbs here. I have Cardinal fever today.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor we clearly know Spurrier owned Fulmer. Witch Doctor say now maybe we have hope. hehe
Bones never lie.
VolinCalif writes:
It is too bad KNS doesn't support the popular vote theory and allow the Blog members to vote people out. Make them change more than their screen name. If you had to change the user profile on the net that cost a little effort and maybe a change of service. Could help clear out the S.
STLVOLS writes:
In this year of badddddddddd Vol team, and yes, my blood runs orange, I can take solitude in St. Louis Cardinals in World Series and St. Louis Blues, NHL. Man I love Cardinal baseball and you have to be there to reallyyyyyyyyyy appreciate hockey. NHL hockey fast and rough.
GBO-Vol grad/fan in STL burbs.
ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:
Yeah, I saw that too. The spread on this game makes no sense whatsoever. I would have guessed that the chickens were 10 point favorites if not more. They beat Georgia. Georgia dogged us. It doesn't make any sense.
STLVOLS writes:
I fly from STL to CA almost once a month for business. LAX, John Wayne(Orange County), San Jose, Oakland. Where are you?? i am certainly no stranger to CA.
VolsFanJL91 writes:
All the data he has is on Simms and its all bad. Honestly, how much worse could Worley do? I think Dooley has come to the point where he feels like something has to change in order to win. And I'm a Simms fan. I thinks he's got his head on right and I love his toughness. He just doesn't have the skills. No more...no less. I just hope the offensive staff in the box gives Worley more work with than Simms. We've got to call a better game. Can someone please call an outside screen to slow the other team's defense down? I saw one up the gut against Alabama and it looked like a cluster...
STLVOLS writes:
Obviously you are not a college grad because you seem to have lack of emotional ccontrol. You will need more if you expect to become management material. Get a grip and take a deep breath
Vol class of 1975 (Transportation Logistics)
SilatGamecock writes:
With his criminal history, does Daniel Hood have to register when he leaves the state for away games.
STLVOLS writes:
You have lost your poise. Actually one day you will be 60 or not. In debate, they teach to never call names or lose poise. You need remedial activity for both. Yawn!!!! Anything else?
STLVOLS writes:
This post is directed at Mr or Mrs. SpongeBob
STLVOLS writes:
SpongeBob,
Anything else that you have to offer? Any salient comments?
HtownVol writes:
Come on old timer (above) and SpongeBob,
We are all Voll fans (most, sorry) dont go at it like that.
STL, you are too old to get worked up like that, and SpongeBog, Change your UserName!
I would like this site so much more if we could post descent comments in which we can all speak our minds on the Vols (good and bad).
I keep saying just because someone says they do not like Matt Simms or Dooley, it does not make them ANY less of a UT fan!
I can not stand Matt Simms but I should not be so hard on him. It is not his fault he is out there. Each and every one of us would love to play QB for UT no matter how much we stink.
I do not like a lot of what I see from Dooley. I know that he does not have a clue how to motivate UT at halftime. Last week had zero to do with everyones favorite excuse (depth). Right out of halftime the Vols were just punished, after manning up in the 1st half.
I think that Dooley has given starters too many chances before he makes a switch (Stone,Zach Rogers,Simms and others) Stone especially should have been pulled in the UF game. 10+ bad snaps is unacceptable.
These are my opinions. Behind a keyboard we can all speak all of our issues. However, at Neyland Stadium or anywhere UT is playing we better love every thing UT does!
GO VOLS!
KingDanno (Inactive) writes:
Yall quit your damn whining and answer my question. Who is 3rd string qb and why doesn't he play? Doesn't get much worse having Simms throw picks all day and get about 60 dern pass yards! Thank god we have some good running backs. Heal up soon Bray you are missed brother!
STLVOLS writes:
You are funny. I run 10Ks and 5Ks. By the way, you spelled decent wrong.
What is your best time in a 10k which is 6.2 miles?
STLVOLS writes:
The problem with a lot of comments on here is the continuous whining.
Question- Regarding all Vol alums out there are you more proud to be a Vol alum or more proud to be a Vol football fan? Choose one.
atributetoLombardiwasbanned writes:
Nash Nance is the third string QB right now.
He's not playing because Justin Worly an Matt Simms are in front of him.
STLVOLS writes:
Seriously, for all UT grads, are you more proud to be a Vol alum or more proud to be a Vol football fan?
Personally, I am more proud to be a Vol alum. I was at first night game at Neyland when Joe Paterno, yes Joe Paterno, brought in the Nittany Lions in 1972. I love UT sports. However, no matter how the teams do over years, nobody can ever take away fact that person can proudly say they graduated from University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Fact-Football team this year is not meeting our expectations. However, at some point they will get better. Not SEC competetive this year other than perhaps against Gamecocks, Vandy, and Ky. Any true sports fan who does not believe that is not facing reality with only three or 4 SEC games left.
STLVOLS writes:
As you can see, I like to respond to myself. I can see that not too many are announcing pride in being UT alums.
I am veryyyyyyyyy proud to be Vol alum. If one can announce pride in being a Vol fan like I do, you can certainlyyyyyyyyy announce pride in being Vol alum.
STLVOLS writes:
Killing time waiting for World Series game to start.
OK, fellow runners. I don't do marathons or half marathons but 10Ks and 5Ks. Any runners on here? Serious question.
BamaVol writes:
Alum first, Vol football fan second
RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:
Not me. I want to win. It won't ever happen with Dooley. I might burn my diploma after his 0-7 SEC start and the loss to Vandy.
VolinCalif writes:
Spent 45 years in LA mostly North-ridge. I retired in 97 from a large company near LAX, I worked for them for 32 years. I am now living in Sacramento, ca. I was going to play golf, fish and hunt. Wanted to travel back and forth to Tenn where I was raised and still have family there. I was going to buy a home on Watts Bar lake. But alas it was not to be I came down with a disease called IPF which attacks our lungs. But other than Politics Cal isn't really that bad of a place to live.
STLVOLS writes:
SpongeBob
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions. Yessssssssssss. Have a wonderful evening. Get some exercise, also. Start with a mile and work up to three. Then work up to 10K. Before long, you will have endorphins making you feel happy rather than sad. If you need any other specific cardio or workout regimen tips, just ask. GBO
Goodbye.
STLVOLS writes:
Have been to Sacramento many times and driven rental cars down the 99 corridor over past years. I am a consultant for trucking companies. Was in San Leandro just south of Oakland a few weeks ago. There is a California Trucking Association office near the SAC Arena. Over the years, as you well know, that Arena area has built up with restaurants, etc. Have taken manyyyyyyy Southwest Airline flights out of SAC, which has had some great airport renovations. Sacramento is a nice area with some nice folks I have met there over years at various trucking companies. Also, as you well know, your location is great because nice city and also near Bay area and Reno. I was in Arena there years ago when it was called Arco arena. As you know, driving in from the north Airport area toward downtown is so flat that you can see dowtown skyline for many miles before getting there. I mention that only for credibility. Love In& Out Burger double/ double and El Pollo Loco CA chains. That is why I have to keep the cardio going.
STLVOLS writes:
SpongeBob
You are so emotional that out of all the folks on this Vols blog site, I chose you to push a few buttons. Lighten up, Dude. Man Up. Now back to football.
I hope but will not hold my breath that Vols beat Gamecocks. Check out Vandy/Ark game. Vandy playing tough.
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