Short-Handed Gamecocks and Wildcats Set for SEC Showdown
South Carolina and Kentucky will collide this weekend in Columbia in what feels like an early-season must-win matchup — at least as much as one can carry that label in September. Both teams are still searching for their first SEC victory, but they’ll have to do it while battling through significant injury concerns.
South Carolina has already ruled out offensive linemen Cason Henry and Nolan Hay, leaving Shane Beamer’s squad thin up front. On the other sideline, Kentucky released its SEC-mandated availability report Thursday night, and the list was lengthy.
Wide receivers David Washington and Preston Bowman, tight end Elijah Brown, running back Jamarion Wilcox, defensive lineman Nic Smith, and cornerback DJ Waller are all out. Quarterback Zach Calzada and offensive lineman Aba Selm remain questionable.
Kentucky’s Key Absences
The most glaring omission for the Wildcats is DJ Waller at cornerback. Waller started the season opener but hasn’t played since going down with an injury. His backup, Terhyon Nichols, left the last game against Eastern Michigan but fortunately wasn’t listed on Thursday’s report.
At running back, Kentucky is without Jamarion Wilcox, who led the team in rushing last season but hasn’t suited up this fall. He was suspended by head coach Mark Stoops before Week 1 for a violation of team rules, and on Friday was arrested on a first-degree sexual abuse charge. In his absence, big-bodied backs Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell have carried the workload. Beamer specifically pointed out McGowan this week, noting he’s a player South Carolina’s defense must account for.
Quarterback is another area to watch. Veteran Zach Calzada opened the season as the starter but was sidelined with a shoulder injury. That paved the way for freshman Cutter Boley, who will now make his first SEC road start. Even if Calzada were cleared, some around Kentucky believe Boley would have gotten the nod regardless.
Wide Receiver Depth Tested
Kentucky’s receiving corps has also taken hits. David Washington flashed potential in the spring before being sidelined in fall camp, while Preston Bowman was not expected to play a major role as a freshman. The Wildcats may lean on transfer Troy Stellato, a former Clemson wideout, who is finally off the injury list and available to contribute.
Minimal Impact at Tight End and D-Line
Tight end Elijah Brown, a former four-star prospect who previously spent time at Alabama, FAU, and UCF, hasn’t factored heavily into Kentucky’s offense, so his absence won’t alter the game plan. Similarly, while Nic Smith is out, the Wildcats regain depth on the defensive line with the return of Josaih Hayes in the rotation.
