Sept. 30, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s football team continued practice on Thurdsay afternoon in preparation for the Gamecocks’ matchup against Alabama this Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Kickoff time at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be shortly after 6 p.m. (eastern) with ESPN2 televising nationally.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH Lou Holtz

“I’m really pleased with how our players have prepared. It is going to be a game in a very difficult environment. We’re going to have play hard. We’re in pretty good shape physically. I don’t expect Sydney Rice to play, he just hasn’t responded. I know are players are excited about going. We just have to stay focused and go out and play the game.”

“The offensive line has had an excellent week. The whole team has, offense and defense. I feel a little better about the kicking game. Joey Bowers will probably kickoff for the team.”

QUICK NOTES FROM PRESS CONFERENCE

— Coach Holtz announced that Dondrial Pinkins will start at quarterback this weekend for South Carolina. He added, “Dondrial will probably start but expect to see both him and Syvelle Newton.”

— Shortly after practice, Coach Holtz along with his wife Beth and athletic director Mike McGee flew up to Greenville, S.C. to attend the visitation of Jennie Roberts, mother of Assistant Coach Dave Roberts who passed away earlier in the week.