Nov. 16, 2011

The University of South Carolina football squad returned to the Bluff Road practice fields Wednesday afternoon.

The Gamecocks (8-2, 6-2 SEC) are ranked 14th in both national polls and come in 12th in this week’s BCS Standings. They will be facing a Citadel Bulldog team that is playing its final game of the season. The Bulldogs are 4-6 overall and finished the 2011 season with a 2-5 in the Southern Conference under seventh-year head coach Kevin Higgins.

Neither safety DeVonte Holloman (concussion) or D.J. Swearinger (foot) practiced again on Wednesday.

Following practice, offensive line coach Shawn Elliott talked to the media about getting his young tackles, Cody Gibson and Mike Matulis, ready for another contest.

“The plan is to try to get as many people ready to play as we can,” said Elliott. “At times, they can all protect pretty well. We’ve got guys trying to be good at both things (run and pass blocking). Everybody can do a lot better. It’s a work in progress. Both (Mike Matulis and Cody Gibson) are training hard trying to be the best player they can be. I would definitely like to get a lot of people reps (this week). Especially Cody and Mike Matulis, guys you’ve got to count on to play here in the next few weeks. They’ve got to get more game ready. The greatest thing about the bowl system is you get all those weeks to prepare for next year. It’s valuable time and valuable reps that you can’t ever take away from.”

Saturday’s noon kick has been declared a sellout. The game will be televised throughout the Palmetto State on a pay-per-view basis. Check with your local cable company or satellite provider for more information.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday afternoon.