Oct. 25, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – The 15th-ranked South Carolina Gamecock football team (6-2, 3-2 SEC) continued its preparations for Saturday’s SEC showdown with Eastern Division rival Tennessee (4-3, 2-2 SEC) with practice on Thursday afternoon. South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier met with the media following practice.

“We had a normal Thursday practice,” said Head Coach Steve Spurrier following the session. “We had good spirits; hopefully we will play the best one of the year on Saturday night in Knoxville. It should be a nice, cool evening but not terribly cold.”

South Carolina defeated Tennessee two years ago in Knoxville, 16-15, with a game-winning 49-yard field goal from Josh Brown.

“We didn’t play all that great (two years ago in Knoxville), fortunately Tennessee didn’t play all that great either,” continued Coach Spurrier. “We were very fortunate. (Kicker) Josh Brown made the biggest field goal of his life.”

“There is a good chance Chris Smelley will play,” said Coach Spurrier. “We haven’t announced anything official yet. Statistically, he is our best quarterback. He needs to play a lot better than he did the last time (vs. Vanderbilt). We have Blake (Mitchell) and Tommy Beecher ready to go but in all likelihood we will give Smelley an opportunity and see if he can go the distance.”

Saturday’s game is set for a 7:45 p.m. kick at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The game will be televised on ESPN with Mike Patrick handling the play-by-play, Todd Blackledge providing the color commentary and Holly Rowe working the sidelines.