Gamecocks expect to have leading tackler vs. Hogs

Linebacker Antonio Allen suffered a neck injury during practice Tuesday and has not practiced the past two days. However, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said following the Thursday prep session that he expects Allen to be a go against the Hogs.

“He’s ok,” Johnson said in quotes distributed by the team. He’s got a strained neck that’s bothering him. It’s got a spasm in it. So they’re going to put some heat treatment on it. We’re counting on him. He’s obviously played very well this year and it would be a tremendous loss (if he couldn’t play), but that’s just part of football.

“If he’s not there, someone is going to have to step up and get the job done. I’m concerned he didn’t have a full week of practice. He should be ready to roll on Saturday.”

The senior leads the Gamecocks in tackles with 64 and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. He’s also third on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss.

Junior Damario Jeffery is listed behind Allen on the Gamecocks’ most recent depth chart.