Nov. 19, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Skip Holtz met with the media following Wednesday’s practice. Here are some excerpts from his comments: “Our players are extremely psyched for this game. It’s bragging rites; it’s a lot of things. Many of them played high school ball against some of the Clemson players. We held out Travelle (Wharton) and John (Strickland) today. I’d say Travelle is probable (ankle sprain) and Strickland is doubtful (ankle sprain). There’s no sense in risking further injury with Travelle on a wet field like we had today. We’ll start either Chris White or Jeff Barnes at center. (on the play thus far of quarterback Dondrial Pinkins): “I will evaluate his performance at the end of the season. What I can say is that he has done a good job of reading defenses. He hasn’t always done a great job of delivering the ball. He didn’t have a lot of help with the receivers at the beginning of the year. Mentally, he knows the offense and knows what to do. I’d like to see his accuracy and leadership improve.”

Injury update: OT Travelle Wharton (left ankle sprain); C John Strickland (left ankle sprain). Neither practiced on Wednesday. TB Cory Boyd had an MRI on Tuesday (left knee). The results showed nothing significant other than a deep bruise. Boyd practiced on Wednesday. Daccus Turman is a little banged up (elbow and finger) but he also practiced Wednesday.

Media availability on Thursday: There is no player availability. Head coach Lou Holtz will meet with the media following practice in the press room behind the lobby of the football building at approximately 6 p.m.