Oct. 6, 2004
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s football team worked out in “shells” Wednesday afternoon as preparations continued for Saturday’s matchup with SEC Western Division rival Ole Miss. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game is available as a pay-per-view telecast in the state of South Carolina. Check your local cable companies on how to order.
* Injury update from the Gamecock camp: QB Dondrial Pinkins (bruised shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. It is uncertain when he will return to action. Pinkins said Wednesday that his shoulder was “feeling a little better.” He did throw some on his own during practice, but there was “some pain.” Said Pinkins: “At this point, it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to go on Saturday. I think it’s going to take some time to heal up. I’ve been in the film room, going through all of the reads mentally. I’ll help all I can. I’ve been rehabbing and exercising the shoulder as much as I possibly can.” Pinkins is expected to dress Saturday against the Rebels but is listed as doubtful for the game. LB Lance Laury (knee sprain) also did not practice. He also is listed as doubtful. Those were the only two injured players of note.
* Following the workout, assistant head coach Skip Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments: “The team looks focused and in a positive frame of mind right now. We’re getting good leadership from guys like Jon Alston, John Strickland, Na’Shan Goddard and others. The tempo was good at practice today. I expect Syvelle Newton to start at quarterback. Blake Mitchell has been receiving a lot of reps, as has Michael Rathe. I think our players are excited, but they also know they have a long ways to go. I don’t think (wide receiver) Sidney Rice factors in right now. I’d say we’re talking about a redshirt year for him … Dondrial’s shoulder is a ways away. They say it’s like a bruised rotator cuff. They have him on some anti-inflammatories and are doing some rigorous exercises.”
* Syvelle Newton on his likely starting role: “I wish Dondrial wasn’t hurt, but that’s how things are sometimes. I know he’s trying to get better and get back in the lineup, because we will need him. However, if my name is called, I plan on being ready. Ole Miss is a very good SEC team. They will bring a lot of pressure and try to cause havoc on defense. It will be a challenge for our offense and our entire team.”
* The media requests keep coming in for Tim Frisby, USC’s 39-year-old walk-on wide receiver. NBC’s Today Show has contacted USC about possibly coming to Columbia the week of the open date (Oct. 20) to do a piece on “Pops.” The Tonight Show with Jay Leno has also been in touch and plans are in the works for him to appear on that late-night talk show the evening of Oct. 19. Frisby was a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman Thursday, Sept. 30.
