Nov. 7, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* USC’s wide receiver position is nearly depleted and the cornerback position is not in much better shape, as injuries have taken a toll at those two positions heading down the stretch of the Gamecocks’ season. Carolina plays host to Arkansas this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in a game that will be televised by Jefferson-Pilot Sports as the SEC Game of the Week.

* Following Thursday’s practice, head coach Lou Holtz said that with the injuries to Ryan Brewer (ankle), Andrea Gause (knee), James Adkisson (hamstring), the wide receiver position has turned into the Red Badge of Courage. With Mikal Goodman also sidelined Thursday due to a stomach ailment (ate some bad food), the total experience of USC’s receivers was a whopping one year, thanks to sophomore Matthew Thomas. “We’ll have to close ranks and go with who we’ve got,” said Coach Holtz. “You’ll see a lot of first year players like Troy Williamson, Andre Hemphill and Kris Clark. Expect to see Corey Taylor and Jared Farabee, as well.”

* The cornerback position is likewise thin due to injuries. Taqiy Muhammad (shoulder) has practiced on a limited basis this week. Coach Holtz said he doubts if he would choose Muhammad in a tug of war contest, due to the sore shoulder. Dunta Robinson has also been limited with a sprained ligament in his right elbow. Teddy Crawford and Brian Elam could see extensive action due to the injury situation.

* While Ryan Brewer has worked extremely hard to rehab his ankle this week, it is doubtful if he will play Saturday. “He ran two plays on Wednesday and he was pretty sore today,” said Coach Holtz. “If it was the last game of the season, you may try to get him in there in a cameo role, but there are some other games left.”

* Coach Holtz commented that the performance of the Gamecock offense has suffered since Brewer was injured early in the first half against LSU. “We had been throwing for over 200 yards a game and completing nearly 63 percent of our passes up until the last two games,” said Holtz. “Losing Ryan Brewer has really hurt us.”

* Coach Holtz said he was impressed with the play of senior quarterback Erik Kimrey on Thursday. “Erik jumped in a gave us a lift today,” said Holtz. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t see him some on Saturday. We’ll have to see.”

* USC will have meetings Friday afternoon followed by a short workout in shorts.