Sept. 15, 2002
Columbia, SC –
* Update on USC injuries following the Georgia game: OG Cedric Williams (shoulder stinger), OT Watts Sanderson (low back strain), OT Travelle Wharton (neck strain), QB Corey Jenkins (groin strain), WR Ryan Brewer (elbow bruise). All will be re-evaluated on Monday.
* USC head coach Lou Holtz said Georgia appeared to have a stronger defensive unit than Bulldog teams of the past two years. He also thought their kicking game was excellent and their offensive line outstanding. “They have good football players,” said Coach Holtz. “Their offensive line is very, very good.”
* When asked about the Gamecocks’ final play on fourth down, an option play that misfired when Andrew Pinnock fumbled, Holtz said: “It was a perfect pitch. The play was going to work.”
* Coach Holtz said he visited with Pinnock following the game. “Andrew will handle this like a mature adult,” said Holtz. “It’s part of life. He did some good things during the game.”
* Coach Holtz noted that redshirt freshman Thez Robinson showed some flashes during the game at tailback.
* USC’s defense was much-improved this past week. The Gamecocks played more of a nickel package as opposed to an eight-man front. Coach Holtz said it allowed the defenders to offer better run support and gave the cornerbacks more assistance. “Our cornerbacks played pretty well,” said Holtz. “Other than a couple of pass plays, they did okay. They will play better.” In his first start at cornerback, Teddy Crawford had six solo tackles and one pass breakup.
* Holtz said that free safety Deandre’ Eiland and spur Rashad Faison had good games. Eiland had seven tackles and one fumble recovery, while Faison led all tacklers with 14 stops and one pass breakup.
* Coach Holtz said that both Corey Jenkins and Dondrial Pinkins did some good things at quarterback. “They are both going to improve, as well,” said Holtz. “When we can get settled at tailback and eliminate some of these turnovers, I think our offense will be okay.”
* Coach Holtz said that despite the disappointing loss to the Bulldogs, he thought there were some positive things to build upon.
* USC stays at home this week to play host to Temple in a non-conference game this Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It will only be the second meeting ever between the two schools, with the first meeting coming in 1933, as Temple won 26-6 in Philadelphia.
