Gamecocks Shake Up Lineup in Road Match at Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. — After three weeks of inconsistent offensive play, South Carolina made noticeable changes up front against Missouri.
Trovon Baugh, who had started every game this season at left guard, was absent from both the first- and second-team units during warmups. Boaz Stanley, the starting center for the first three contests, slid over to right guard.
That adjustment put Nolan Hay at center, while Josiah Thompson and Shed Sarratt manned the left side. Stanley teamed up with Cason Henry on the right.
The second-team offensive line consisted of Jatavius Shivers, Nick Sharpe, Rodney Newsom, Markee Anderson, and Tree Babalade.
The new setup didn’t last long. Henry went down on the very first play, clutching his left arm before heading into the medical tent. Babalade stepped in as his replacement. Later, Newsom briefly subbed for Hay in the second quarter after Hay lost his helmet.
Fresh legs at running back
Rahsul Faison drew the start in the backfield, but freshman Matthew Fuller saw early carries. Meanwhile, Oscar Adaway and Isaiah Augustave appeared to slide down the depth chart—at least for this matchup.
Injury updates
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who had been banged up, was cleared and started the game. Henry also took his spot at right tackle despite his early exit, as he hadn’t been listed on the availability report.
South Carolina played without cornerback Judge Collier, still sidelined since suffering a knee injury in Week 1 against Virginia Tech, and tight end Michael Smith, who missed with an undisclosed issue. Safety DQ Smith was suited up and in uniform but did not wear a helmet, while receiver Mazeo Bennett was active.
Coaching shift on defense
Interim defensive line coach Jordan Dove, who worked from the booth during the first three games, moved down to the sideline for this one.
Setting the scene
Missouri encouraged fans to create a “Blackout” atmosphere in the stands, though the afternoon kickoff meant plenty of sunshine. The Gamecocks countered by rolling out their all-white “Stormtrooper” uniforms.
