Oct. 8, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* Despite heavy rains, it was business as usual Tuesday for USC’s football team, as the squad went through a two-hour practice in full pads. The Gamecocks are preparing to take on 4-1 Kentucky this Saturday night in Lexington. ESPN2 will televise the game nationally. “Despite it being so wet, we managed to get some things done,” said Gamecock head coach Lou Holtz. “The players’ attitude was good and they were enthusiastic. We put the ball on the ground too much, but considering the conditions, it was a good practice.”

* Quarterback Corey Jenkins was limited in his participation due to an ankle sprain. “Corey didn’t do much at all,” said Holtz. “You don’t want to risk anything with the wet field. We’ll see how he does tomorrow.”

* Coach Holtz says he is impressed with Kentucky’s team, saying this is by far the best Kentucky team he has seen. “There’s no comparison with the Kentucky teams we’ve played in the past,” said Holtz. “This is an excellent football team. Their defensive front will be playing on Sundays. Their offense is explosive and they have been outstanding on special teams.”

* Coach Holtz said Kentucky’s season-opening performance in its win over nationally ranked Louisville sold him on this year’s Wildcat team. “Louisville couldn’t protect its passer and their receivers couldn’t get open,” said Holtz. “Now, they were able to protect their quarterback against Florida State, but not Kentucky. This will be a tremendous challenge for our offensive line. Some of them have aspirations of playing at the next level and this will serve as a good criteria for them.”

* When asked to recall the last time USC visited the Bluegrass State (20-17 victory in 2000), Coach Holtz replied: “I remember that the game went down to the wire. Derek Watson made a fantastic run (58-yard touchdown to put USC up 20-17) and Sheldon Brown made two big-time interceptions. Last I checked, neither one of them are playing for us anymore.”

* Coach Holtz also noted that the Wildcats are extremely tough at home, especially at night. “The fans are on top of you and they really get into the game. They play very well at home.”

* Linebacker Darel Slay re-injured his ankle Tuesday, but the severity of it was not known at the end of practice. Holtz said he expects Jason Capers to start at defensive end in place of Dennis Quinn, who is nursing an ankle sprain.