Nov. 10, 2002
Columbia, SC –
* South Carolina head coach Lou Holtz said Sunday that after viewing the film from Saturday’s 23-0 loss to Arkansas, he best could sum up his team’s performance this way: “You’ve heard of the movie “As Good As It Gets,” well our game could have been entitled “As Bad As It Gets.”
* Coach Holtz said that after winning at Kentucky and moving to 5-2, he was not satisfied in how the offense was moving and controlling the football. “I started getting more involved with the offense and that was a mistake,” said Holtz. “I steered our team off course and that’s my fault. I’ve never had trouble moving the football and that’s what is so frustrating. Where we go from here, I’m not totally sure yet.”
* Coach Holtz said that the injury situation at wide receiver, along with the offense trying to mold itself around the talents of quarterback Corey Jenkins, led him to attempting to change things around some offensively. “I think we run the ball pretty well with Andrew Pinnock and our offensive line,” said Holtz. “We just can’t get open downfield and we’re not able to beat anyone man to man in the passing game.”
* Coach Holtz said that Ryan Brewer, who was in for only one snap on special teams against Arkansas, could be ready for action this week against the University of Florida. Brewer has been sidelined with an ankle sprain. Michael Ages, a senior wide receiver who missed the Arkansas game with a shoulder strain, could also possibly be back. Wide receivers Matthew Thomas (ankle) and James Adkisson (hamstring) are listed as doubtful, as is wide receiver Gonzie Gray. Wide receiver Andrea Gause is out following knee surgery last week.
* When asked about the prospects of playing in a bowl game this season, Coach Holtz was not overly optimistic. “The way we’re playing now, having to go on the road to play Florida and Clemson; I think a bowl game is the furthest thing on my mind right now. I’m just trying to get this team back on track.”
* Coach Holtz said that USC has had difficulty in containing Florida’s offense the past couple of years. “Two years ago in Gainesville, we were leading late in the first quarter and then all of a sudden, they busted it open,” said Holtz. “We have not been able to slow them down offensively.”
* South Carolina travels to Gainesville this weekend to take on the #14 Gators Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff time is still undetermined due to television.
