South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley may not start against Missouri

On the heels of his inclusion in the weekly injury report, South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley may not start against the Missouri Tigers due to a minor knee injury.

According to The State, backup Michael Scarnecchia worked extensively with the first-team offense in practice this week, and would be in line as the starter if Bentley can’t go.

Scarnecchia, who joined the program under previous coach Steve Spurrier in 2014, is a senior who has so far just seen limited snaps in mop-up duty throughout his career. This season, he’s a combined 7-of-12 with a touchdown in games against Coastal Carolina and Kentucky.

Dakereon Joyner, who is currently third on the quarterback depth chart, would serve as Scarnecchia’s backup.

Bentley, who suffered his injury late in the loss to Kentucky last week, has started 24 straight games for the Gamecocks. This season, he’s amassed 928 passing yards to go with six touchdowns against six interceptions. While he’s undoubtedly having a bit of a rough start to 2018, his absence would completely change the outlook of the Missouri game for South Carolina.