Sept. 10, 2002
Columbia, SC – ? USC practiced in full gear for more than two hours Tuesday afternoon in preparation for its showdown with #9 Georgia this Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff for the nationally televised contest (CBS-TV) is 3:34 p.m.
? Cornerback Andrea Gause has a swollen knee and is questionable for this Saturday. While an MRI revealed no serious ligament damage, the knee is sore and the sophomore from Conway was very limited in what he could do on Tuesday. If he’s not able to go, and he is listed as questionable right now, Teddy Crawford or Taqiy Muhummad could get the starting nod opposite Dunta Robinson.
? Wide receiver James Adkisson’s injured left knee seems to be progressing. While the senior is definitely out for this weekend’s game, he could return sooner that originally forecasted, perhaps as early as three weeks. Linebacker Rod Thomas is out indefinitely with an ankle sprain.
? Isaac Stackhouse, who has been sidelined the past 2 1/2 weeks with a lower back contusion, has returned to practice and could see time this week at cornerback. Defensive back Corey Peoples, who has missed the past two weeks with an ankle sprain, has returned to practice on a limited basis.
? Head coach Lou Holtz said it is impossible for the scout team to emulate Georgia’s team speed. “They’ve got tremendous speed at all of their skill positions,” said Holtz. “Their wide receivers and return men are outstanding.”
? When asked about the team’s defensive play, Coach Holtz stated, “We’re not a bad defensive team … except on third down. We need to put together a better pass rush, especially on third down. The way it’s been so far, we may be better off just dropping back and jumping up and down to try to swat away the passes.”
? Coach Holtz said there are several reasons starting quarterback Corey Jenkins is the searchlight on the punt team. “First of all, Corey knows football, he can make good decisions, and he’s one tough player… probably the toughest player I’ve ever coached,” said Holtz. “I think the punt may be the most single important aspect of the game of football. We want to have the best people we can on the punt team and that’s why Corey is on it.”
? Coach Holtz said that Jenkins has bounced back from last Saturday’s four turnover performance at quarterback. “He just needs to eliminate the bad plays,” said Holtz. “For the most part, he’s done that this week. We can’t afford to have many bad plays against Georgia. They are likely to not have any at all.”
? Coach Holtz said that Rashad Faison, who played free safety last week, would move back to his spur position. Rachiem Monroe and Deandre’ Eiland have been working at free safety.
