Oct. 5, 2004
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s football team worked out in full gear Tuesday afternoon as preparations continued for Saturday’s matchup with SEC Western Division rival Ole Miss. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game is available as a pay-per-view telecast in the state of South Carolina. Check your local cable companies on how to order.
* Injury update from the Gamecock camp: QB Dondrial Pinkins (bruised shoulder) did not practice Tuesday. It is uncertain when he will return to action. Pinkins said Tuesday that the shoulder was extremely sore and had not responded favorably yet to treatment and medication. LB Lance Laury (knee sprain) also did not practice. Coach Lou Holtz said that these two players were “doubtful” for Saturday’s contest. Syvelle Newton is likely to get his second career start at quarterback. If Laury can’t go, then redshirt freshman Ryan Brown and true freshman Dustin Lindsey are expected to take his spot on the depth chart at linebacker.
* Following the workout, head coach Lou Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments: “It wasn’t the best of Tuesday’s. But, it wasn’t bad, either. If Dondrial isn’t able to play, we will really miss him. It’s very reassuring to have him over there on the sidelines, even if he’s not in the game; he brings that confidence and experience that you really need. He has done a very good job of protecting the football thus far this year. We don’t want to rush him along. Let’s get the thing (shoulder) healthy … Blake Mitchell will move up to #2 and Michael Rathe will move up to #3 at quarterback. It’s a bit difficult to get the #3 guy enough reps … Ole Miss’ defense is very good. They are physical and they can run. They have a balanced offense and an outstanding kicking game.”
* Coach Holtz also announced that starting wide receiver Matthew Thomas has been suspended for a “minimum” of three weeks. Holtz did not go into great detail, other than to say that the suspension was related to “class attendance and other academic reasons.” Said Holtz: “People who come to school here are going to be student-athletes. We will re-evaluate his status after three weeks.” Coach Holtz said that sophomore Noah Whiteside would move up into the starting lineup, alongside Troy Williamson. Travis Lee, D’von Hill, Kris Clark and Michael Flint would provide depth at receiver. Coach Holtz said that Sidney Rice, a true freshman receiver from Gaffney who has been hampered with a knee problem, is still a possibility as a redshirt candidate, but that could change. The same holds true for freshman fullback Antonio Lamar … Coach Holtz also announced that redshirt freshman defensive back Ty Erving is not with the team right now due to “personal reasons.” Holtz said that Erving could possibly return to the team this January.
