Oct. 27, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s football team (5-2/3-2) worked out in “shells” Wednesday afternoon, as preparations continued for Saturday’s showdown against 11th-ranked Tennessee (6-1/4-1). The two teams will square off at Williams-Brice Stadium with kickoff set for 12:33 p.m. Jefferson Pilot Sports will televise as the SEC Game of the Week.

* Injury update from the Gamecock camp: QB Dondrial Pinkins (bruised rotator cuff) participated full. Afterwards he said he felt 80-85% full strength throwing the football … QB Syvelle Newton (ankle sprain) was limited in his participation, but he did go through some of the team work. “I was able to do more today than I’ve been able to do,” said Newton. “I want the ankle to get well so I can help the team. When my name is called Saturday, I hope I can be ready to go. If we had to play tonight (Wednesday), I’m not sure how much I could go. It (the ankle) felt good but it didn’t feel great.” …OL Woodly Telfort returned to practice after missing Tuesday with a mild concussion … WR Noah Whiteside was back at practice after bruising his shoulder on Tuesday … DB Chris Hampton is out with a left ankle sprain. He is doubtful for the game on Saturday. WR Travis Lee (broken finger) could return to practice on Thursday.

* Assistant head coach Skip Holtz met with the media following the workout. Here are some of his comments: “I was encouraged today with the play of our quarterbacks. Dondrial is getting better each day and Syvelle was able to do some things. I hope Syvelle can be ready by Saturday. Where we are today, my assumption would be that Dondrial would be the starter.”

* Tailback Demetris Summers says he has been working hard on ball security the past couple of weeks, after fumbling twice at Kentucky on Oct. 16. “Coach Holtz told me to hold the ball tight against my rib cage,” said Summers. “I needed to earn the team’s trust back during the open date and I think I did. I want to go out there and do anything I can to help the team and get us a win Saturday against Tennessee.”

* Tim Frisby, USC’s 39-year-old walk-on wide receiver, was featured on NBC’s The Today Show Wednesday morning. The six-minute piece showcased the 20-year Army veteran with his teammates and family members.

* The Tennessee game is a complete sellout. A crowd in excess of 81,000 is anticipated. Tennessee sold its allotment of 9,500 tickets.