Mark Stoops said following an “OK” practice on Tuesday that UK would have to step it up in its preparations for South Carolina.That’s exactly what the Wildcats did on Wednesday.”We had a good Wednesday practice,” defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot said. “Guys were flying around and communicating. It was what to be expected, so we’re making progress and continuing to get better and looking forward to tomorrow’s practice as well.”Practice time is precious as UK readies for a matchup with the Gamecocks. That’s especially true for defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot, who will match wits with legendary South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.”Coach Spurrier has had a lot of success and he has a lot of experience and he’s an excellent coach and will get you,” Eliot said. “So you’ve gotta be on your Ps and Qs and you gotta have your guys ready to play because he knows how to get you and he’s an excellent football coach and we’re going to have our (work) cut out for us this weekend.”Spurrier uses first-year starter Dylan Thompson at quarterback after Connor Shaw’s graduation. Thompson is a different player than his predecessor, but has thrown for 1,359 yards and 12 touchdowns through five games.”Shaw’s more of a runner,” Eliot said. “Shaw will tuck it down and get some yards on you. He had some loose plays. He was a scramble player. Thompson’s a great pocket quarterback, has a strong arm, makes good throws, makes good decisions, but Shaw was more of a runner.”The change works out fine because running back Mike Davis gets it done on the ground for the Gamecocks.”Mike Davis is an excellent player,” Eliot said. “He’s big. He’s fast. He makes great reads. He can change directions. He’ll run you over. He’s one of the top backs in the SEC and we’re going to have our (work) cut out for us this week.”