Shane Beamer reveals how preparation for Missouri changes depending on Brady Cook's injury status

As South Carolina continues its push toward its best season yet under coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks do so readying for a bit of an unknown at quarterback. Missouri starter Brady Cook missed last week’s contest against Oklahoma and his status is unclear for Saturday’s showdown in Columbia.

Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz is providing no updates this week, instead referring to the mandated SEC injury reports that begin to emerge midweek.

For his part, Beamer doesn’t see a huge difference in terms of how South Carolina will prepare given the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position.

“Not really. They do what they do and it’s line up, run outside zone with the running backs and it’s drop back and find ways to get the ball to (Luther) Burden and (Theo) Wease,” Beamer said. “And no matter who the quarterback is back there they’re going to do that.”

That said, there’s a big difference when Brady Cook is in the game vs. when he isn’t.

Cook had started every game for the Tigers since Nov. 26, 2021 until last weekend. He’s got a ton of experience, and he has willed Missouri to various victories over the years.

Still, Beamer is giving respect to both quarterbacks.

“Both quarterbacks can run,” he said. “(Drew) Pyne had a quarterback run the other night that was a huge play in the Oklahoma game for a first down. Brady Cook obviously is a really talented runner as well.”

Pyne went just 14-of-27 passing for 143 yards against Oklahoma, though he did throw three touchdown passes.

On the season, Brady Cook has gone 137-of-218 passing for 1,575 yards and seven touchdowns, against just one interception.

Whoever steps out there on Saturday, South Carolina aims to be ready.

“So other than just Cook being a little bit more experienced than Pyne, that would be the only thing,” Beamer said. “But Pyne is a guy that’s been around football for a while too now. So this isn’t his first rodeo. So no, it really doesn’t change anything.

“For us it’s going to be we’ve got to figure out a way to slow down this outside zone scheme that they run very well and figure out a way to keep No. 3 and No. 1 in check.”