South Carolina's Quarles suspended for throwing punch

• South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles was suspended for Saturday's game vs. Florida
• Quarles was caught on video throwing a punch during last weekend's loss at LSU
• Running back Marcus Lattimore is doubtful for Saturday's game with a sore hip

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles has been suspended for Saturday's game against Florida after he threw a punch during last week's loss at LSU.

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward said after practice Thursday that Quarles would not travel with the team as part of his penalty.

Quarles was unlikely to play this week anyway since he hadn't practiced because of a shoulder injury.

Quarles was caught on a YouTube.com video throwing a punch to LSU center P.J. Lonergan after a play. Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said he doesn't condone such actions. However, he said Quarles took a hit from behind that Spurrier described as a "sucker blow" earlier on the play that caused his shoulder injury.

Quarles has started all seven games this season and has 30 tackles.

No. 8 South Carolina (6-1, 4-1 SEC) plays fourth-ranked Florida (6-0, 5-0 SEC) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

It's a must-win for South Carolina if the Gamecocks entertain any hopes of winning the Eastern Division and reaching the SEC Championship game.

Chief among the Gamecocks' concerns are finding a cure for an ailing running game.

South Carolina averages 160.4 rushing yards per game, but in last week's loss to LSU, the Gamecocks were held to 34 yards on 25 carries.

Elliott points to the Gamecocks' first possession against the Tigers as a warning sign that things weren't right.

South Carolina was three-and-out after tailback and leading rusher Marcus Lattimore was stopped on third and one.

"I think early on it was more mental," Elliott said. "We didn't run the ball all that much and get to the first third and one situation and that mentally just kind of busted us. Nobody expected third and one that we were going to get stuffed like that. Certainly I didn't and those guys up front didn't and it happened. It kind of shocked us a little bit."

Making things more difficult for this week's game against the Gators is the uncertain status of running back Lattimore, who is listed as doubtful with a sore hip.

Spurrier said Kenny Miles would get the start if Lattimore is unable to go, backed by Mike Davis.

Whoever is running the ball will benefit if South Carolina's offensive line can turn things around.

"LSU's got a great defensive line, but we didn't play smart as a unit," said South Carolina center T.J. Johnson. "Florida has a great defensive line, just as good if not better than LSU's. We can't beat ourselves and that's what we're trying not to do this week."

Contributing: Charles Bennett, The Greenville (S.C.) News