Auguste to sit out 2 games

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina cornerback Akeem Auguste's suspension now seems more finite.

After initially being vague about the length of the suspension, Steve Spurrier spelled it out Monday evening.

"From what I understand, he's missing the next two games," Spurrier said of the talented sophomore. "If he does what he's supposed to, he'll be reinstated."

The specific reason for the suspension hasn't been announced, but Spurrier has said it's a university matter and that Auguste would be dismissed from the team for a similar infraction.

Starting in his place Saturday, as he did against last week South Carolina State, will be sophomore C.C. Whitlock.

Cornerbacks coach Lorenzo Ward said Whitlock improved as the game went along.

"He accepted the challenge. He knew it was going to be a challenge, and he'll have a bigger challenge in the weeks to come," Ward said. "He's got a great attitude. He understands he's got to play well for us to be successful in the secondary."

Whitlock's an old man compared to the other two corners in rotation. Freshmen Stephon Gilmore and D.J. Swearinger are being trained to play both the field and boundary corners.

Gilmore has started every game at boundary. Swearinger emerged during camp, showing he was ready to play right away.

"D.J. showed early he could play," Ward said. "It was my fault I didn't play him earlier in the season."

Gilmore will also return punts in Auguste's absence.

Saunders doubtful

The Gamecocks will likely be without tight end Weslye Saunders this week, Spurrier said. Saunders sprained his ankle in the S.C. State win.

Freshman Justice Cunningham would get the start against Kentucky if Saunders doesn't play.

Line changes

Jarriel King will start this week at left tackle and Hutch Eckerson will start at right tackle, offensive line coach Eric Wolford said.

Wolford was pleased enough with Eckerson to keep him in the starting lineup, ahead of Quintin Richardson.

Richardson (flu, shoulder) is now healthy. Wolford wasn't happy with Kyle Nunn's effort against S.C. State, so King is getting another shot.

Lindley 'very doubtful'

Auguste's absence might be somewhat negated this week by the fact that Kentucky will likely be without All-SEC cornerback Trevard Lindley, who suffered an ankle sprain against Alabama.

Wildcats coach Rich Brooks said Lindley is "very doubtful."

"If he is unable to play, we'll miss him," Brooks said, "particularly in a game where people like to throw the ball."

Alabama game time

CBS has exercised its six-day option for a pair of Oct. 17 games. Both USC-Alabama and Florida- Arkansas are possibilities for its 3:30 p.m. kickoff. The game not selected by CBS will be the 7:45 p.m. ESPN kickoff.