Gamecocks earn league player of week nods
The weekly award streak continued for South Carolina on Monday.
Defensive back D.J. Swearinger was named Co-Defensive Player of the Week by the Southeastern Conference and slotback Bruce Ellington was named Co-Freshman of the Week by the league for their performances in USC's 14-12 win over Mississippi State on Saturday.
At least one Gamecock has received a league award for each of this season's seven weeks.
Swearinger had 12 tackles against the Bulldogs and a game-sealing interception of MSU quarterback Tyler Russell on State's final drive of the game. Ellington had 98 yards of total offense — 32 receiving, 25 rushing, 24 passing and 17 return — and played a key role in USC's eventual game-winning drive.
The other Gamecocks to win SEC weekly awards this fall are Melvin Ingram (defensive player twice and special teams player once), Connor Shaw and Marcus Lattimore (offensive player) and Rokevious Watkins (offensive lineman).
Swearinger shared his honor with Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier. Ellington shared his with Georgia linebacker Ray Drew.
Jerideau to stick on offense: Converted defensive tackle Byron Jerideau will remain at offensive guard, coach Steve Spurrier said.
"We're going to try to coach him up at offensive line, see if he can help us in there," Spurrier said. "He wasn't quite ready to help a whole lot after three days of practice. So he'll have a chance through the open date and the following week to see if he can come in there and play a whole lot.
"We need some strength and surge in there. Hopefully he can give us that."
Jerideau, who has changed his jersey number to 77 due to the move, played both offense and defense against Mississippi State. He had never played offense before in his career, but the USC coaching staff felt it was best to move him and help fortify the depth-challenged offensive line, as well as get Jerideau on the field. The former junior college transfer was receiving limited playing time on defense.
Tennessee game time set: USC's Oct. 29 game at Tennessee will kick off at 7:15 p.m. local time, the SEC announced Monday.
The game will emanate from Neyland Stadium on either ESPN or ESPN2, the league said.
Bray has plate put in thumb: Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray had a plate put in his right throwing hand as he battles back from a broken thumb, UT coach Derek Dooley told reporters Monday.
Bray is still out for at least four weeks, Dooley said. The sophomore will not play against USC in two weeks. Matt Simms, who started in UT's 38-7 loss to top-ranked LSU on Saturday, is expected to start.
Spurrier to talk after all: USC announced Monday afternoon that Spurrier would hold his usual weekly press conference today at noon. There originally was no press conference scheduled due to the Gamecocks being idle this weekend.