Lineup Changes Highlight Thursday Practice

On Thursday, the Gamecocks took the practice fields for the final time before heading to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday afternoon. Coach Steve Spurrier announced that there would be few changes to the starting lineup, but there would be two long rumored changes among the reserves.

The only change to the starting lineup will be on the offensive line. Seth Edwards will start in place of Garrett Anderson at right guard. “We’ll give him a chance to play a little bit,” Spurrier said. Anderson will still be available to play, and Spurrier is pleased with Anderson’s performance in practice. Coupled with the return of Web Brown from injury, Spurrier is excited. “We’ve got a few extra guys ready to play.”

One of those “extra guys” is Stanley Doughty. His role will be limited, though. “He’s a short yardage specialist,” Spurrier explained. Doughty will replace Coleman in those situations, though Spurrier and offensive line coach John Hunt have had their hand forced. Doughty and Coleman will both be wearing number 55. Coach Spurrier assumed that media members are ignorant of the rules of the game (we are), so he explained the problem. “[Doughty] would be replacing a guard. We’d have to take Coleman out because they wear the same number. That’s an issue. You’ve got to worry about those things when you’re coaching.” Spurrier was then asked whether he had any plays where Doughty would get the ball. “Cameras are rolling; you know I can’t divulge that. Stanley can catch, I will say that.”

Doughty was not the only player switching sides during Thursday’s practice. Wide receiver Sidney Rice practiced at safety. Rice will only play in situations where the defense is in prevent mode. “Hopefully we’ll get to use Sidney a lot this year,” joked Spurrier. When asked how Rice and Doughty did in their new roles, Spurrier said, “I guess they did okay. It wasn’t real hard, not a lot of plays for them.”

Rice will also be available to back up Kenny McKinley returning punts. Spurrier said there is only one situation when Rice would go in, though: “At the end of the game if we need someone to go catch one. He’s been doing it in practice all year, so he’s ready.”

One final position change to note is that versatile freshman Chris Hail will be splitting time at both wide receiver and cornerback.

Kickoff on Saturday between the Gamecocks and Commodores is scheduled for 3 p.m. (EST), and the game is available on a pay-per-view basis in the state of South Carolina.