Oct. 3, 2002

Columbia, SC –

? With the physical preparation over, USC head coach Lou Holtz said Thursday that the mental preparation begins in full earnest for his football team as it focuses in on Saturday’s Homecoming contest against Mississippi State. “We’ve had a good week of practice, especially considering the amount of injuries we’ve had in the offensive line and at linebacker,” said Holtz. “It will come down to eliminating the mistakes. We must be mentally sharp. Mississippi State will come in here ready to play. They can make you look ugly at times on offense. We will need to play well in all areas.”

? Offensive linemen Cedric Williams (neck) and Shane Hall (neck) practiced some on Thursday. Both had missed most of Monday and Tuesday’s workouts and had been limited on Wednesday. “I expect both of them to play, however, I don’t know how long they will be able to go,” said Holtz. “Jabari Levey (true freshman from Moncks Corner, S.C.) could definitely play this weekend. He’s had an excellent week of practice. He would play guard this week, although I think his natural position is at tackle. Jabari would be the third guard and Jeff Barnes would be the third tackle.”

? Offensive tackle Travelle Wharton returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday following the death of his grandmother, Birdie Logan, who died tragically Tuesday evening in a car crash while she was being transported to a hospital in an ambulance after she had suffered a heart attack. Her funeral will be Sunday in Fountain Inn. Travelle will play in the game on Saturday.

? With middle linebacker and leading tackler Lance Laury out with a knee injury, the starting trio of linebackers is expected to be Jermaine Lemon and Darel Slay on the outside and Jeremiah Garrison in the middle. Coach Holtz said he expects true freshman Ricardo Hurley to play a significant role in Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs. “Ricardo is a very natural defender,” said Holtz. “He has tremendous footwork; maybe the best I’ve ever coached for a linebacker. He received excellent coaching in high school (Greenwood HS).

? Senior spur safety Rashad Faison has been bothered with an ankle and shoulder injury this week and may not start Saturday. Jamacia Jackson has received a lot of the reps this week and could receive his first career start vs. MSU. Faison is expected to play, even if he doesn’t start.

? Andrew Pinnock and Kenny Irons are expected to be the starting running backs. Fullback Daccus Turman is still bothered with a sore shoulder he suffered in practice last week.

? Coach Holtz said that wide receiver James Adkisson, who has been out with a knee sprain since the Virginia game (Sept. 7) told him Wednesday that he expects to be back on the field next week for the Kentucky game. “That’s what James told me and I believe him,” said Holtz.

? Saturday’s game with Mississippi State will kick off at 1 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. There is no live television.