Oct. 2, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* USC starting offensive tackle Travelle Wharton’s grandmother passed away Tuesday evening and the junior from Fountain Inn went home Wednesday to be with his family. Details of the funeral arrangements are pending. Offensive tackles coach Dave DeGuglielmo said he would be in touch with Wharton Wednesday evening and would try to pass on further information to sports information director Kerry Tharp.

* Starting offensive guards Shane Hall and Cedric Williams had limited reps Wednesday as both are still recovering from neck strains they suffered in last Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Both are still listed as questionable for this Saturday’s Homecoming contest against Mississippi State.

* USC has worked with a makeshift offensive line during practice this week. True freshman Jabari Levey has been working a lot at guard and could possibly play this Saturday. Chad Walker and freshman Jon Hall have also received a great deal of work. Additionally, redshirt freshman Chris Tucker has moved over to the offensive line from defense due to the injury situation. Coach Holtz said that Levey and center Na’shan Goddard have had good practices this week. “Jabari and Na’shan may be the quickest linemen I’ve coached, pound for pound,” said Holtz. “Of course, Jabari weighs 333 pounds, so all things are relative.”

* Coach Lou Holtz said that on defense, cornerback Taqiy Muhammad has had a good week of practice, as has defensive end George Gause and linebacker Ricardo Hurley. “Hurley will have to play a lot Saturday, but I’m confident he can do the job,” said Holtz. “It’s supposed to be really hot at the game, so we’ll have to play a lot of people.”

* Linebacker Lenny Williams twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s practice but should be okay for Saturday’s game.

* Coach Holtz said he expects junior college transfer Darel Slay to start at outside linebacker, with Jeremiah Garrison starting in the middle. Starting middle linebacker Lance Laury is out with a knee injury. “Jeremiah played in the middle last year and he knows what to do,” said Holtz.

* Fullback Daccus Turman continues to be slowed with a sore shoulder and has had limited reps this week. He is expected to play, however.

* Saturday’s game with Mississippi State will kick off at 1 p.m. There is no live television. A reminder that the State Fair will also be going on Saturday, so fans are encouraged to arrive to the game early.