GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: CB Rashad Fenton at least will share some of the time covering Chattanooga’s top offensive threat. WR Bryce Nunnelly has 74 receptions for 1,096 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 outings. CB Keisean Nixon doesn’t have an interception but has broken up six passes and also could see some time defending against Nunnelly.
DRAFT SLANT
–WR Deebo Samuel had an 89-yard reception that helped set up a touchdown that gave the Gamecocks a 31-14 lead just past midway of the third quarter at Florida. His four receptions were the most he has had since gathering in seven in a loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 13. He also had a 30-yard kickoff return against the Gators among his four runbacks.
ROSTER REPORT:
–S Jaylin Dickerson will miss this week’s game because of a hamstring injured against Florida last week. Dickerson has been hobbled by shoulder issues this season and has 11 tackles in nine appearances.
–DT Aaron Sterling did not play at Florida and is out this week with a knee injury. He has 15 tackles (3 for losses) and a fumble recovery in eight games. He will “probably not” be back this week, coach Will Muschamp said.
–QB Jake Bentley moved past the 6,000-yard mark in passing yardage with his 239 yards (18-of-28 passing) against Florida. The junior now has 6,119 yards passing in his career.
–RB Rico Dowdle has been hampered by injuries recently but rushed for a touchdown on one of his two carries against Florida.
–WR Deebo Samuel has been nominated for the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year as announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America in association with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl. A senior, Samuel broke his leg in the third game of the 2017 season and didn’t play the rest of the year. He has 43 catches this year for 527 yards and also returned 20 kickoffs for 505 yards, including a 90-yard return for a touchdown. He has rushed seven times for 24 yards and thrown a 13-yard touchdown pass.
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