After watching Maxwell Smith throw on Thursday, Kentucky Coach Joker Phillips said he is certain that the sophomore quarterback will start against No. 6 South Carolina on Saturday.

Smith separated his shoulder after a hit in the Western Kentucky loss and didn't play at Florida, but was able to throw the ball well on Thursday, his coach said.

When asked later to give a percentage on Smith starting, Phillips said: "One hundred. He's going to be the starter."

The coach said he understood the media's skepticism given that at this point last week he said Smith would be fine to play at Florida.

But Phillips said Thursday that the quarterback's injury has improved.

-- In other injury news, safety Ashely Lowery (concussion-like symptoms) is doubtful. Running back CoShik Williams (hip strain) is out. Defensive tackle Mister Cobble (recovering from infection) will be available, but is still a question mark.

-- Martavius Neloms, who has moved back and forth from safety to cornerback to safety again, practiced at safety this week and probably will take the place of the injured Lowery.