South Carolina's Lattimore out for season

South Carolina got the devastating news it didn't want on Sunday.

Star sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore is out for season after tearing a ligament and suffering cartilage damage in his left knee. Lattimore hurt his knee during Saturday's 14-12 win at Mississippi State. Lattimore's injury will require surgery in the future.

Lattimore sustained the injury while blocking in the fourth quarter against the Bulldogs.

"Our worst fears were realized," South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said in a Sunday teleconference with reporters. "Marcus has a torn ligament and a little bit of cartilage damage in there. It's very unfortunate, flukish-type injury that occurred yesterday."

Lattimore had rushed for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns on 163 carries this season.

Spurrier said during the conference call that Lattimore is expected back next season "as strong as ever."

Spurrier also said that true freshman Brandon Wilds will likely be the starter at in South Carolina's next game on Oct. 29 at Tennessee.

The Gamecocks are currently 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the SEC. South Carolina is No. 14 in the first BCS standings of the season.