Sept. 11, 2002

Columbia, SC –

? USC head coach Lou Holtz said the Gamecocks looked like a “tired football team” following Wednesday’s workout in Columbia. With temperatures reaching the mid-90s during the afternoon practice, Coach Holtz said the heat has taken its toll on the team the past 10 days. “I’m concerned about how tired we are,” said Holtz. “I’m worried about our fundamentals. We didn’t throw the ball particularly well today. We did have a good day defensively, and that was encouraging.”

? Backup quarterback Dondrial Pinkins has received a great deal of work during practice this week. Pinkins fractured his ankle during a preseason scrimmage in August and just returned to action last week. He has not played yet this season. “Dondrial is getting a lot of work, but he is still very rusty,” said Holtz.

? Coach Holtz said he expects Teddy Crawford, a junior from Lithonia, Ga., to get his first college start this Saturday against his homestate Georgia Bulldogs. Andrea Gause continues to be slowed with a sore knee.

? Coach Holtz said that he expects cornerback Dunta Robinson to continue to develop into an outstanding player. “I had no idea that Dunta could be this good,” said Holtz. “He still hasn’t played as well as he is capable of playing, but he’s got a chance to be outstanding.”

? Wide receiver James Adkisson’s knee has swollen some, but most of the pain has subsided. Adkisson sprained ligaments in his knee last Saturday against Virginia and is out at least three weeks.

? When told that in the recent edition of Sports Illustrated it was mentioned that the newest members of Augusta National Golf Club were Lou Holtz and Bill Gates, the Gamecock head coach said: “I can’t speak to Bill Gates, but I can speak to Lou Holtz. I must say I am honored and flattered to be invited to be a member of Augusta National. I had no idea I was going to be invited. I have played there many, many times over the years as a guest. My wife has played there and she loves it. We have stayed all night there at the course. She is as excited as I am. I love the game of golf and there is no finer place in the world to play than Augusta National.”

? Saturday’s game against ninth-ranked Georgia is sold out. The game will be televised nationally with Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color analyst) and Jill Arrington (sideline reporter) handling the broadcast.