COLUMBIA – South Carolina wide receiver Pharoh Cooper returned to practice today and should be ready to play against No. 6 Georgia on Saturday afternoon, according to Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier.
"Pharoh was running around pretty good out there today," Spurrier said. "He should be fine."
Cooper sat out the No. 23-ranked Gamecocks' practice Wednesday because of a foot injury but appeared to be running and walking without pain after Thursday's workout.
USC defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward said playing assignment football will be important if the Gamecocks are to have a chance at controlling the Georgia rushing attack, which is led by All-American and leading Heisman Trophy candidate Todd Gurley.
"It is assignment football," Ward said. "We have to make sure we take care of our assignments. We have played against this offense before. We've done well against this offense. We've done not so well against this offense. We've just got to take care of our assignments."
Ward said senior Brison Williams, who sat out the second half against East Carolina because of an arm injury, will start at cornerback along with sophomore Rico McWilliams.
Williams has practiced throughout the week and should be ready to go.
Ward also said freshman defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth will receive playing time because of his bulk and strength against the run.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast
