Later today, the South Carolina football team will take on the Missouri Tigers for the rights to the Mayor’s Cup. Unfortunately for Gamecock Fans, Mizzou has kept possession of the rivalry trophy since 2019 as the Tigers currently hold a four-game win streak in the series.
The 2-4 Gamecocks are underdogs heading into the game against the 6-1 Tigers. Pulling off the victory and injecting some life into South Carolina football’s bowl chances won’t come easy.
Making life that much harder on Saturday is the fact that the Gamecocks will be without some of its top players on offense.
As expected, long-term injuries to talented offensive linemen Jaylen Nichols, Markee Anderson, and Cason Henry will keep USC’s offensive front thin on Saturday, but a newer injury up front will hurt the unit even more. In last week’s game against Florida, center-turned-right-tackle Vershon Lee suffered a knee injury that Coach Shane Beamer says will keep him sidelined this week.
Some mild good news on Lee’s injury is that the original (unreported) diagnosis of the ailment was that big #53 would miss four to six weeks. However, after more testing, it was revealed that he could be back as soon as next week when the Gamecocks take on the Texas A&M Aggies and that he should be back the following week for a home game against Jacksonville State.
Antwane “Juice” Wells, Carolina’s top wide receiver heading into the season will remain out again this week according to Beamer. Wells is still dealing with his re-aggravated foot injury. It is unclear if he will suit up again this season.
On defense, Mo Kaba remains out (he will miss the season), and defensive tackle Xzavier McLeod will not play, though as a depth player, it is uncertain whether he is an injury scratch or didn’t make the travel roster.
Running back Mario Anderson and linebacker Stone Blanton were both banged up against Florida last weekend, as well, but Beamer expects that both players “should be good to go.” Anderson returned to action against the Gators but was limited, while Blanton could not continue.
Based on earlier reporting from Beamer, Blanton seems to be the more injured of the two Gamecock starters as he called Mario Anderson “fine” this week, but both players are going to try to play against Missouri on Saturday.
South Carolina football will kick off against Missouri at 3:30 on the SECNetwork and ESPN app.