Marcus Lattimore won't start

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- South Carolina (No. 7 BCS, No. 9 AP) running back Marcus Lattimore won't be in the starting lineup Saturday against Florida (No. 2 BCS, No. 3 AP) due to a bruised hip.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Thursday night that backup Kenny Miles would start and that Lattimore would make the trip.

The Gamecocks remain hopeful that Lattimore will be able to play Saturday. Spurrier said they would have a better feel for where Lattimore was health-wise after watching him go through pregame warm-ups. Lattimore returned to practice Thursday but was limited.

"Marcus, with that bruised hip, he's not going to start the game," Spurrier said Thursday night on his weekly radio show. "He's going to go, and we'll see how he does in warm-ups. But Kenny Miles is ready to go and so is (freshman) Mike Davis. They've both practiced very well this week. But if Marcus says, 'Coach, I can go,' he's going to be in there sometime in the game. If not, Kenny Miles and Mike Davis will be our two tailbacks."

Lattimore ran 40 times for a career-high 212 yards and three touchdowns two years ago in Gainesville. The junior had a touchdown but gained just 35 yards on 13 carries in the Gamecocks' 23-21 loss to the Tigers last weekend.

Spurrier said Wednesday that an injury such as Lattimore's generally takes a week or two to heal.

"It's not surgery-type things," Spurrier said of Lattimore's condition. "It appears it's something that'll be fine in a week or so."

Lattimore tore ligaments in his left knee while blocking against Mississippi State last year, an injury that cost him South Carolina's final six games in 2011. He had offseason surgery and has looked strong this fall.

Also for the Gamecocks, standout defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has a foot problem that has limited him in practice. Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles won't play after getting suspended for one game for punching an LSU player last weekend. And defensive linemen Byron Jerideau and J.T. Surratt have been slowed by sprained ankles.

In addition, a flu bug has worked its way through the team, affecting receivers Ace Sanders and Bruce Ellington.

Florida, meanwhile, is getting several players back in time for the stretch run.

Defensive end Dominique Easley (knee) and linebacker Jelani Jenkins (hamstring) are expected to return to the starting lineup Saturday. So are left tackle Xavier Nixon (upper body), guard James Wilson (eye) and center Jon Harrison (elbow).

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