Sept. 12, 2002

Columbia, SC –

? Following Thursday’s practice, USC head football coach Lou Holtz said his biggest concern was the health of tailback/wide receiver Ryan Brewer. “Ryan’s ankle is tender and we had to pull him at the middle of practice,” said Holtz. “He’ll be able to play, but how long, how much, I don’t know.” Brewer underwent corrective ankle surgery in May and has been bothered off and on with soreness in the ankle since practice began in early August. Holtz commented that redshirt freshman Thez Robinson could very well get the starting nod at tailback if Brewer isn’t at 100 percent Saturday for Georgia.

? Coach Holtz said the cornerbacks have played better in practice this week. Isaac Stackhouse has returned from a back injury and Corey Peoples has returned from an ankle sprain. Both are expected to be available Saturday against the ninth-ranked Bulldogs. Coach Holtz said that freshman Tremaine Tyler has looked good in practice this week at the cornerback position.

? Coach Holtz said that the Gamecocks have done a decent job this week of eliminating the bad plays on offense. “That was our downfall last week against Virginia — too many bad plays,” said Holtz. “It’s imperative that we eliminate the bad plays. We don’t have to make the great play every time — just eliminate the bad ones.”

? Andrea Gause, who has soreness in his knee, has been working back at receiver this week after starting at cornerback last week against Virginia. Holtz explained that since Gause is not at 100 percent, it would be best at this time that he move back to his original position because it would be too difficult for him to continue at cornerback this week because he is having to miss too many reps. Teddy Crawford is expected to start at cornerback along with Dunta Robinson.

? Coach Holtz had high praise for the University of Georgia. “Georgia is a very talented team,” said the USC coach. “They present a lot of problems. I believe they could be the best team in our league. They have outstanding players at every position.”

? Coach Holtz said he expects USC’s offensive line to play well and he believes fullback Andrew Pinnock is gearing up for a big game. Holtz said quarterback Corey Jenkins has had a good week of preparation, but hasn’t thrown the ball as well as he needs to during practice.

? Carolina and Georgia square off this Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game is a sellout. Kickoff for the nationally televised game (CBS) is 3:34 p.m.