It's looking increasingly like the South Carolina Gamecocks' push for their first SEC championship may begin without their best player.

Star defensive end and preseason Heisman Trophy candidate Jadeveon Clowney is reportedly on the precipice of missing Week 1 due to a lingering shoulder problem. Head coach Steve Spurrier enlightened the media on Clowney's struggles and his absence from practice Monday evening, per SportsCenter's Twitter feed:

"If (Jadeveon Clowney's shoulder) doesn't come around real soon, we may play without him the first game." - Steve Spurrier on his star DE

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) Bleacher Report - College Football
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