Oct. 10, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Final preparations were made Thursday for South Carolina’s nationally-televised SEC road contest with Kentucky this Saturday in Lexington (6:30 p.m. ET kickoff, ESPN2). “We didn’t go very long today but we had a very good practice,” said Head Coach Lou Holtz.

Holtz said that senior quarterback Corey Jenkins (high ankle sprain) saw action in Thursday’s workout, but his status as a starter Saturday has not been determined. “Corey Jenkins was able to do some things today and he is able to make the trip.”

Holtz also said that senior defensive end Dennis Quinn will make the trip but he will not start. He said Jason Capers or Preston Thorne will start in Quinn’s place, or possibly linebacker George Gause. He said that should Gause start on the line, then Ricardo Hurley or Lenny Williams would start in Gause’s place at linebacker.

While Holtz is pleased with his team’s preparation this week, he still remains concerned about the 4-1 Wildcats. “The main problem is that they (Kentucky) give you so many looks on offense and defense that on Thursday, you’re still making corrections on what to do. You’d like to be in a position talking about how you are going to do something. Having two weeks to prepare, they will be fresh and crisp, know what they’re doing and how they’re doing it.”

“I’m pleased with the amount of progress we’ve made this week, and despite the inclement weather, the players have been in a good mood. I think we’re going to play well. This is going to be a big challenge for us up at Kentucky. I can’t think of anything more difficult than to go play a team that’s on a roll and coming off an open date. I think it’s going to be a heck of a ballgame.”

Holtz said that wide receiver James Adkisson (knee) was rusty, but was able to practice Thursday and will see some action in Saturday’s contest.