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Will Muschamp wasn’t ready to make a switch at quarterback for South Carolina, even after an overall disappointing performance by Jake Bentley in a loss to North Carolina.
He may not have a choice as the Gamecocks host Charleston Southern this Saturday.
Breaking: Ryan Hilinski has been informed from the USC coaching staff that he will start this week at QB for the Gamecocks and moving forward, per source. One source told me Bentley is expected to be out at least 6 weeks with a broken foot but it could be longer. @wachfox
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) September 2, 2019
During his weekly press conference, Muschamp revealed that Bentley had suffered a “mid-foot sprain” during the game against the Tar Heels, and could be out 4-8 weeks at minimum, or for the season if surgery is needed.
Muschamp said Bentley's injury is mid-foot sprain also known as a lisfranc injury, out 4-8 weeks without surgery, if he needs surgery he's out for the season. #Gamecocks
— SportsTalk (@sportstalksc) September 3, 2019
Muschamp said he believes the injury to Bentley occurred on last play of the game. Bentley told the trainer he had some soreness, an MRI was taken Sunday night and that's when the extent of the injury was determined. #Gamecocks
— SportsTalk (@sportstalksc) September 3, 2019
Mike Uva from WACH Fox was first to report the news on Monday:
Breaking: Ryan Hilinski has been informed from the USC coaching staff that he will start this week at QB for the Gamecocks and moving forward, per source. One source told me Bentley is expected to be out at least 6 weeks with a broken foot but it could be longer. @wachfox
— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) September 2, 2019
In all honesty, it wouldn’t have been fair to bench Bentley anyway even with an FCS opponent coming in for the home opener. But if Hilinski can navigate the Gamecocks through a difficult stretch following Saturday’s game against the Buccaneers, it might be fair to say that this past weekend in Charlotte was the last we’ve seen of Bentley as the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback.
But that’s putting the cart well before the horse. For now, Hilinski is the guy, and the eyes of Gamecock nation will be focused squarely on him.