The SEC’s weekly availability reports are once again shining a light on just how battered both Kentucky and South Carolina are ahead of Saturday’s clash. Introduced last year, the injury reports are meant to provide more transparency by requiring schools to list all players’ statuses before game day. In the past, injury updates were often at the discretion of the team.
This week’s first Kentucky–South Carolina report makes one thing clear: both secondaries are hurting, and the Gamecocks are especially thin in the trenches.
Kentucky’s Injury Picture
- Out: RB Jamarion Wilcox, DL Nic Smith, WR David Washington Jr., TE Elijah Brown, WR Preston Bowman
- Doubtful: CB DJ Waller Jr.
- Questionable: QB Zach Calzada, OL Aba Selm
With Zach Calzada still recovering, redshirt freshman Cutter Boley will get the starting nod at quarterback. Beau Allen may serve as his backup. The loss of Waller could be a major blow to a Kentucky secondary that already gave up over 300 passing yards to Eastern Michigan. Wilcox remains sidelined for personal reasons, further limiting Kentucky’s offensive depth.
South Carolina’s Injury Report
- Doubtful: DB Buddy Mack III, OL Nolan Hay, OL Cason Henry, DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy
- Questionable: DB DQ Smith, DB Judge Collier
The Gamecocks also face challenges in the secondary, not ideal with Kentucky leaning on a run-heavy scheme that thrives off play-action. However, compared to Kentucky, South Carolina appears to be in slightly better shape heading into Saturday night.
What It Means
If Waller can’t play, Kentucky’s defensive backs will be forced to overextend against South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who threw for more than 300 yards last week in the loss to Missouri. On the flip side, South Carolina’s offensive line depth is a concern. With multiple linemen banged up, keeping Sellers upright against Kentucky’s consistent pass rush could be a tall order. Still, that same pressure may open the door for Sellers to create explosive plays with his legs if Kentucky fails to maintain gap discipline.
In the end, this matchup could come down to attrition as much as tactics. One mistake — whether from a depleted offensive line or a shorthanded secondary — could be the deciding factor in a game both programs desperately need to win.
