CB Whitlock draws praise

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina typically doesn't give out game balls days after a victory, but Steve Spurrier made a couple of exceptions Monday.

Cornerback C.C. Whitlock was one of the recipients, after Spurrier went back and watched the sophomore's performance on film.

Whitlock, starting for the suspended Akeem Auguste, played well in Saturday's win against Kentucky. He had six tackles, including 1 1/2 for a loss. Whitlock also had a pass breakup.

The Chester native had a rocky start to his career, spending more time in the coaches' doghouse than on the field. But he's gradually getting things turned around.

Whitlock said, among others, athletic director Eric Hyman encouraged him that these positive moments were possible with better focus.

"After I went through all that, I can say there's a reason for everything," Whitlock said Monday. "I've got a lot of people pulling for me and a lot of people trying to bring me down. I'm trying to do the right thing, which is to be here."

Whitlock will start again Saturday for Auguste, this time at No. 2 Alabama. Auguste is expected back next week against Vanderbilt, but that's not guaranteed.

Another award

Assistant Shane Beamer also received a game ball, Spurrier said.

For his work with the Gamecocks' special teams? Or his coaching of the spurs and strong safeties?

No, and no.

"For his continual recruiting of Alshon Jeffery," Spurrier said of the Gamecocks' first-year recruiting coordinator, drawing laughter from reporters. "He didn't give up on him. He hung in there with him."

Jeffery had seven catches for 138 yards and three scores to help against Kentucky. He is this week's SEC freshman of the week.

The Calhoun County product was recruited by a lot of national powerhouses, including Southern Cal, to whom Jeffery had initially committed. Jeffery eventually decided to stay close to home.

Asked Monday night to talk about his commitment, Jeffery declined.

Saunders update

Spurrier was again hopeful about tight end Weslye Saunders' chances of playing Saturday. Saunders missed the Kentucky game with a sprained ankle, but he was listed Saturday night as probable by the Gamecocks.

"Oh, he ran around fine," Spurrier said after Monday night's practice, pushed indoors because of rain. "He should be back this week."

Freshman Justice Cunningham struggled in place of Saunders, Spurrier said.

"Weslye needs to get back playing, blocking and making a few catches here and there," he said. "We need everybody we can to give us a chance."

Line look

Like every week before this one, offensive line coach Eric Wolford said more personnel changes are probably on the way.

Left guard is up for grabs, after Heath Batchelor struggled mightily against Kentucky's Corey Peters, the SEC defensive player of the week.

Wolford said a host of players, including freshman Nick Allison, would get a look this week. Wolford said the redshirt would likely come off the 6-4, 285-pound Allison.

Left tackle Jarriel King was banged up in the Kentucky win, but the North Charleston native should be healthy by Saturday.

King and Kyle Nunn could see snaps at left guard, Wolford said. Left tackle is also open.

Lem Jeanpierre (center), T.J. Johnson (right guard) and Hutch Eckerson (right tackle) are expected to hold on to their starting jobs.

Vanderbilt game time

South Carolina's Oct. 24 game against Vanderbilt will be a 7 p.m. kickoff, televised by ESPNU.

It'll be the Gamecocks' seventh night game out of eight total games.

The Commodores have won two in a row against USC, including an upset two seasons ago that stunted the team's 6-1 start. The Gamecocks didn't win again.