No. 19 Texas hosts No. 12 South Carolina

Expect some buzz at UFCU Disch-Falk Field this weekend as the No. 19 Texas Longhorns host the undefeated, No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks for an important three-game series prior to the start of Big 12 play next weekend against the Baylor Bears.

The series marks the first big test for the Longhorns after the opening-season debacle in Arlington produced three losses to SEC powers.

At 11-0, South Carolina enters the game without having faced the same level of competition as Texas with series wins over Dayton, Mercer, and 5-5 Clemson. But there’s no question that the Gamecocks can hit — the team boasts a batting average of .311 with Wes Clarke leading the way at .410 with eight home runs.

Junior college transfer right-hander Thomas Farr serves as the Friday starter for South Carolina. In three starts, Farr is 2-0 with a 1.56 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17.1 innings pitched. Another junior college transfer, right-hander Brannon Jordan will start on Saturday with a 3.46 ERA and 23 strikeouts and 11 walks in 13.0 innings.

Right fielder Austin Todd will not play for the Longhorns as he rests the right shoulder that he separated on a slide into second base on Tuesday against the Bearkats. Todd also suffered a cracked humerus on the play. There’s currently no timetable for his return.

Fortunately for Texas, Douglas Hodo III is off to a strong start in his second season, leading the Horns in batting average at .367.

First pitch on Friday is at 6:30 p.m. Central on Longhorn Network.