Marcus Lattimore Injury: How Does South Carolina Cope with Loss of Lattimore?

The South Carolina Gamecocks may have defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 7, but they also lost their star running back Marcus Lattimore for the season.

Lattimore was everything for the Gamecocks. He had 163 carries, 818 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged five yards per carry.

Because of the Gamecocks' uncertainty at quarterback, Lattimore was counted on heavily by Steve Spurrier.

True freshman Brandon Wilds will see a larger work load. He has eight carries so far this season. Wilds is a physical runner, but not as talented or as punishing as Lattimore.

Junior Kenny Miles is also a capable option if he can get healthy.

Either way, the Gamecocks will have to work by committee out of the backfield. No one will replace the workhorse that Lattimore was. Instead of one player carrying the ball 25-30 times a game, it will need to be 10-15 carries for two players.

Sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw will also be effected. Shaw was named the starter after Stephen Garcia was dismissed from the team. He is a talented player, but too inexperienced. However, Shaw's game-winning touchdown against Mississippi State in Week 7 is encouraging for the Gamecocks as they move forward.

If Shaw makes the right decisions, he will get the ball into the hands of one of the best receivers in the nation, Alshon Jeffery.

Jeffery caught the game-winner against the Bulldogs in Week 7. He has ridiculous size and the athleticism to boot.

Speedster Ace Sanders and tight end Justice Cunningham provide solid options underneath.

The Gamecocks are certainly up against it. Arkansas and Clemson still lie ahead for Steve Spurrier's squad.

The loss of Lattimore is crippling no matter what way you cut it. Shaw must make sound decisions and the South Carolina defense must take their game up a notch against their remaining ranked foes.