Oct. 16, 2002

Columbia, SC –

? Assistant head coach Skip Holtz said Wednesday that the Gamecocks have had a good week of preparation as South Carolina looks ahead to this Saturday’s showdown against #14 LSU in Baton Rouge. ESPN2 will televise the SEC matchup nationally, with kickoff set for 7:45 p.m. (eastern). “We know we have a challenge ahead of us in LSU,” said Skip. “They are very, very good. Statistically and physically, they are outstanding on defense. We have seen how good they are on film. Our players realize what kind of team we are going to face. They are huge up front and they are athletic. Our players are excited.”

? Skip reiterated Wednesday that USC quarterback Corey Jenkins cannot put the ball in danger in order for the Gamecock offense to have success Saturday. “Corey must protect the football,” said Skip. “We can’t be patient with that anymore. If Corey puts the ball on the ground, then Dondrial (Pinkins) will play. Corey fumbled the ball in team drill today and he was taken out. We can’t excuse that.”

? Skip emphasized that Jenkins has done a good job of leading the team down the field and into the end zone. “Corey has moved the team, there’s no question about that,” said Skip. “Dondrial only played eight plays last week against Kentucky. He had two busts and we had to punt, so we didn’t put him back in. He’s capable, but he needs to have more success in getting the team in the end zone.”

? Skip said he expects James Adkisson to play a more significant role this week against the Tigers. Adkisson, a senior wide receiver who sprained his knee against Virginia and only played sparingly last week against Kentucky, has the big-play ability the Gamecocks are striving for in the passing game. “I’d love to see James, Troy Williamson and Michael Ages on the field at the same time,” said Skip. “I expect that James will start this week. I’d also like to have Matthew Thomas at one of the receivers, but I don’t think I’m going to win that battle this season. Matthew is starting to come on at cornerback. He has the type of mind set and toughness that you like to see in a wide receiver and that is a must for a defensive player.” Skip also said he expects Matthew to play a more prominent role in the punt return game this week. “As long as Matthew can catch it, he does fine. He gives us that burst returning punts.”

? Spur safety Rashad Faison was at practice Wednesday after missing Monday and Tuesday with an ankle sprain he suffered against Kentucky. He took limited reps. His status for Saturday is still highly questionable.