Oct. 31, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* USC head coach Lou Holtz said Thursday evening he believes the Gamecocks have had a good week of preparation for this Saturday’s SEC Eastern Division showdown against #25 Tennessee. “I think our team is fresher than it’s been in quite some time,” said Holtz. “I’m anxious to see how we’ll play. I think we’ll play well; I’m just not sure if that will be good enough to beat Tennessee.”

* Coach Holtz said that on kickoff and punt returns, expect to see Matthew Thomas, Dunta Robinson, and Jared Farabee. Troy Williamson could also be utilized.

* With Ryan Brewer out with an ankle injury, Andrea Gause and Thez Robinson are expected to fill in at his slot receiver position. “I’d feel a lot better coming into this game if we had Ryan Brewer,” said Holtz. “He’s reliable and he’s consistent and he’s just a very good football player.” Brewer had his cast removed Thursday and told Coach Holtz he expects to be back in time for the Arkansas game on Nov. 9.

* Holtz said that both Taqiy Muhammad and Matthew Thomas will see playing time at the one cornerback position opposite Dunta Robinson. “Both deserve to play and both will play,” said Holtz.

* Coach Holtz said that Tennessee’s defense “plays the run awfully well” and their offense “presents a lot of different motion.” “You don’t want Casey Clausen getting into a rhythm,” said Holtz.

* The Gamecocks went over their kicking game at the conclusion of Thursday’s practice. Coach Holtz released the coaches at that time who had young children so they could go trick or treat. “Last year I wore a false face to practice on Halloween and nobody noticed,” quipped Holtz.

* Saturday’s game is a sellout. The game will be televised nationally by CBS. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Fairgrounds parking lots will open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with stadium gates opening at 1 p.m.