Nov. 18, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – Notes and quotes from USC Football Practice: Coach Lou Holtz met with the media following Tuesday’s practice. Here are some excerpts from his press conference: “This was a physical practice. We had difficulty maintaining some continuity. We’re trying to put together a patchwork offensive line. Clemson’s defense can give you a lot of problems and (Charlie) Whitehurst is just an exceptional quarterback … It doesn’t look like John Strickland will be able to play (ankle),and that’s a shame because over the last four weeks, he was playing as well as any center in the conference. Chris White will start at either center or guard; I’d prefer he start at guard, but we’ll have to see. (on his one-year contract extension): “They (the University) came to me. They wanted to do this. I haven’t thought anything about it. My philosophy has always been that you coach to the best of your ability and try to do what is in the best interests of the university and your football program. I get down when I don’t think I’m doing things to the best of my ability to help our team win the game and unfortunately, that’s what happened on the fake punt call against Florida. I just want everyone to work together for a common cause … (on Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden): “They run their program; we run ours. I think he (Bowden) has done a tremendous job there. He’s a good coach and this may be his best team … (on Demetris Summers returning to practice) “Demetris was a little rusty today. Daccus (Turman) is a little banged up and Cory Boyd had an MRI on his knee this afternoon (results unknown). So, Demetris and Gonzie Gray got most of the work at running back … (on educating his team on the significance of the Carolina-Clemson rivalry): “I want them to understand the significance of this rivalry. I also want them to know that Clemson has won almost two out of every three games in this series. The test that I give them doesn’t help them play any better; it just helps them appreciate the nature of this rivalry.”
Injury update: OT Travelle Wharton (left ankle sprain); C John Strickland (left ankle sprain). Wharton was limited on Tuesday, while Strickland did not practice.
Media availability on Wednesday: : USC head coach Lou Holtz is on the SEC teleconference at 11:28 a.m. Requested players are available outside the players’ entrance between 1:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Assistant head coach Skip Holtz will meet with the media following practice outside the players’ entrance at approximately 6:20 p.m.
