Sept. 15, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
The South Carolina Gamecocks worked out in shorts and shoulder pads Wednesday afternoon as preparations continued for this Saturday’s clash against the South Florida Bulls. Kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium is 7 p.m. There is no live television.

* Injury update: OL Kris Mick (out) may require additional surgery on his wrist; TB Demetris Summers (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday; WR Sidney Rice (hyperextended knee) is out indefinitely. Rice had an MRI performed late Tuesday and the results showed that he has a bruise. CB Johnathan Joseph (fractured foot) had surgery Tuesday and is out. QB Dondrial Pinkins has a shoulder bruise and has not thrown in live action any this week. He is listed as day to day.

* Following Wednesday’s workout, assistant head coach Skip Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments: “We’ve been working on refining some things offensively the past few days. I think for the most part, we have responded well from the difficult loss against Georgia. We may not be as crisp as we need to be, but we’ve been putting in a workmanlike effort each day. South Florida nas a good football team. They are an up and coming program. Their defense is only giving up .3 yards per rush. Dondrial (Pinkins) hasn’t been able to throw much this week. He got some reps today in the run game, but didn’t do anything live in the passing game. We rolled Syvelle (Newton) with the 1’s. If Dondrial can’t throw tomorrow (Thursday), then I think it will be difficult for him to play on Saturday. I think our quarterbacks need to be able to run. Do they need to be our leading ground gainers? I wouldn’t think so. But, they do need to be able to carry the ball. If we had to play Thursday, I don’t think you’d see Dondrial. But, we’ve got three days ahead of us and hopefully his shoulder will respond to the treatment. If he’s not ready to go, then we would go with Syvelle.”

* Dondrial Pinkins on his shoulder injury: “It happened sometime during the game. I can’t really pinpoint when it did happen. I felt okay after the game. I woke up Sunday and it was kind of sore. It got worse as the day went along. I’ve been getting it iced and getting ultra sound. I’ve thrown very little; just warming up. If I had to throw full go now, it would be very painful. I’d like to think that it will be better by Saturday. If I’m not able to go, we have full confidence in Syvelle.”

* Syvelle Newton on his opportunity to play on Saturday: “I hope Dondrial’s shoulder gets better. I’ve been preparing mentally to play. I don’t feel the butterflies like I’ve had the first few weeks. It kind of reminds me of high school. I’ve got to be ready to run the team in case I’m needed.”