Sept. 3, 2003

The Gamecocks continued preparations for Saturday’s tilt vs. No. 15 Virginia. USC practiced in full pads for the second day in a row on Wednesday. Assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Skip Holtz met with the media following Wednesday afternoon’s practice and offered the following comments:

(on this week’s practices)
“We have had a good week of practice and worked in full pads yesterday and today. We need to play better up front and to throw and catch better heading into this week. The biggest improvement a team makes is from game one to game two and we will need to make huge strides. We have practiced hard and put the first units against each other.”

(on Virginia’s defense and defensive lineman Chris Canty)
“They have nine starters back on defense and are even bigger, better and stronger than they were when we played them last year. Chris Canty is difficult to prepare for because he plays on the outside and inside of the line. He is big, strong, powerful and athletic and can make plays from any position on the line. He reminds me a bit of John Abraham.”

(on the passing of Sarge Frye)
“He will be sorely missed by the athletics department. Sarge was a legend here at South Carolina and saw a lot of good and bad during his time at the university.”

SILAS UPDATE: Junior college defensive lineman Charles Silas has been admitted into the University of South Carolina. He will be redshirted in 2003 and will two seasons of eligibility remaining.

INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Ricardo Hurley is progressing in his return and is questionable for Saturday’s game vs. Virginia … Linebacker Lance Laury is likewise improving … Defensive lineman Natron Scott is doubtful for Saturday.

Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for just after 12:30 p.m. A sellout crowd is anticipated and the contest will be televised live by Jefferson-Pilot Sports.