Nov. 2, 2011

The University of South Carolina football squad worked out at the Bluff Road practice fields Wednesday afternoon. The Gamecocks (7-1, 5-1 SEC) are ranked ninth in this week's BCS Standings. They are preparing for Saturday night's top-10 matchup at No. 7 Arkansas (7-1, 3-1 SEC). Game time is set for 7:15 p.m. ET in Fayetteville's Reynolds Stadium. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN.

The Gamecocks appear healthy for Saturday's game, with the exception of senior spur Antonio Allen, who did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a neck sprain during Tuesday's practice.

Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott indicated that the Gamecock pass blocking has been inconsistent this season. "At times it's pitiful and at times we're decent. We've got to improve on that to be a better passing team. We're coming around (after the loss of left tackle Kyle Nunn). Everybody's getting a little more familiar with what they're doing now and we're starting to pick things up a little better."

"I think we're ready," said sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw. "It's going to be a challenge. We're excited for it. We know we have to put points on the board."

Shaw talked about what he needed to remind himself of to improve in the passing game. "Just trust your offensive line and trust your routes. Keep your eyes downfield instead of tucking it. It's really easier said than done. We work out here in practice and see if I can bring it to the game field."

The Gamecocks are back on the practice fields on Thursday at 4 p.m.