South Carolina Football: Gamecocks expected to start two true freshmen on offensive line
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina football true freshman Oluwatosin “Tree” Babalade is about to make his third career start Saturday night against Tennessee. The big man from the DMV had his first start at left tackle against the Georgia Bulldogs and won several national honors for his performance. He backed that up with an almost-as-good performance against Mississippi State.
Now, it appears as if Big Tree no longer will be alone as a freshman on the Gamecocks’ o-line. According to the Post and Courier’s David Cloninger, starting right guard Jakai Moore did not travel with the team to Knoxville this weekend. Since Moore has been splitting snaps recently with freshman Tro Baugh, it stands to reason that the youngster will draw the start against the Vols.
Baugh has performed pretty well in his limited action. He had some really solid moments in the run game against Furman and Georgia, and he was one of the better pass blockers on the team against Mississippi State last week. If big #78 can play well tonight, the Gamecocks will have a much better chance of beating the 21st-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.
Babalade, Baugh, and the rest of the South Carolina football offensive line must keep Spencer Rattler upright (the Gamecocks have surrendered the most sacks in the SEC, while the Vols have gotten to the quarterback more than any other team in the conference), and they must create some room to operate for running backs Dakereon Joyner and Mario Anderson.
Cloninger also reported that Gamecock wide receiver Ahmarean Brown and defensive backs O’Donnell Fortune and David Spaulding were spotted with the team prior to the game. Brown has not played a full game this season but has performed well with the ball in his hands, and Fortune and Spaulding are important contributors in the secondary.
According to Cloninger, defensive back Emory Floyd and defensive lineman Drew Tuazama did not travel with the team as well. Neither player are starters but both contribute on the defense.
The Gamecocks and Volunteers will kick off at 7:30 on the SECNetwork and ESPN app.