COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A turbulent week for No. 14 South Carolina closed with devastating news: Star tailback Marcus Lattimore is out for the year with a knee injury.

"Our worst fears were realized," Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said Sunday.

Spurrier said Lattimore had a torn ligament in his left knee and also suffered some cartilage damage. Lattimore will require surgery, although doctors want to keep the knee braced and allow it to stabilze for several weeks before operating. Lattimore had been the main engine for South Carolina's offense this season with 818 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing this season. He was leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing most of the season before getting overtaken by Alabama's Trent Richardson.

Lattimore gained only 39 yards, but had a 4-yard touchdown run in South Carolina's 14-12 win at Mississippi State on Saturday.

It was in the fourth quarter that Lattimore's stellar year came to end. He was blocking for Bruce Ellington when a Bulldogs defender rolled up on Lattimore's left leg. He was worked on for several minutes before getting help to the sidelines.

Lattimore's mother, Yolanda Smith, rushed to her son's side and several players came by the trainer's table to check on him and pray. Lattimore left Davis Wade Stadium with a large brace covering most of his left leg and walking on crutches.

"Well, we're all disappointed, but we all realize life's got to go on and somebody has to fill his shoes," Spurrier said.