South Carolina’s star sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn knee ligament and cartilage damage during the Gamecocks’ 14-12 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. Lattimore came into the game leading the SEC in rushing, but left after carrying the ball 17 times for just 39 yards.

Lattimore finishes the season with 818 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns during the Gamecocks’ 6-1 start. From the start of the 2010 season until now, Lattimore has been the most productive runner in the SEC, ranking first in the conference in rushing yards (1,357) and second in touchdowns (15).

South Carolina has a bye this week. Head coach Steve Spurrier said freshman Brandon Wilds would get the start at running back when the Gamecocks return to action October 29 against Tennessee. Spurrier had hoped to redshirt Wilds this season, but now has to start him due to a rash of injuries to South Carolina’s stable of running backs. In addition to Lattimore, running back Shon Carson and fullback Matt Coffee have also suffered season-ending injuries, while backup running backs Kenny Miles (wrist) and Eric Baker (ankle) have missed time.

Alabama’s Trent Richardson is now the leading rusher in the SEC, with 912 yards and 15 touchdowns.

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