Sept. 4, 2003

Columbia, S.C. –

For the second time this week, USC’s football team had to contend with thunderstorms and finish up practice at the indoor facility. Thursday afternoon’s thunderstorm forced the Gamecocks indoors for the final 45 minutes of their workout. The same held true on Tuesday, when USC had to conclude the final 60 minutes of its practice inside.

Injury update heading into the Virginia game: OL Jonathan Alston has a sore knee but should play; LB Lance Laury’s knee is progressing and he is slated to make his first start of the season; LB Ricardo Hurley is coming back from an ankle sprain and will be available.

Tube Time – Saturday’s game between South Carolina and #15 Virginia will be televised regionally by Jefferson Pilot Sports as the SEC Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 12:33 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Sold Out – Saturday’s game is a sell out. An overflow crowd of nearly 82,000 is anticipated.

Last Time – UVA knocked off the #22 ranked Gamecocks a year ago in Charlottesville, 34-21, as the Cavaliers capitalized on seven USC turnovers, including six lost fumbles. The last time UVA visited Columbia was in 1987, when the Gamecocks played one of their best games of the season in winning 58-10. Carolina was led by All-America receiver Sterling Sharpe, All-America defensive back Brad Edwards, All-America nose tackle Roy Hart and a pair of offensive weapons in quarterback Todd Ellis and tailback Harold Green. Carolina finished 8-4 that season and was ranked #15 in the final poll.

Comments from Lou Holtz: “Despite the disruptions this week with the rainy weather, we had a good week of preparation. Dondrial Pinkins had an excellent day of practice today. I think we will play well and respond well Saturday. Will that be good enough? I don’t know. Virginia is an extremely talented football team. I think they will try to ram the ball down our throats. I’m not sure where they are going to play (Marques) Hagans. He played quarterback last year and has been playing receiver this year, but he was an excellent quarterback last season for them. Blake Mitchell has done a good job with the scout team as quarterback this week. He has a chance to be an excellent player in the future for us. Jeremiah Garrison and Marcus Lawrence played well at linebacker for us last week. We are going to let Stephen Stellfox kick off for us and see what happens.”