Nov. 16, 2004
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s football team (6-4/4-4 SEC) continued preparations for its final regular season game this Saturday against the Clemson Tigers (5-5/4-4 ACC). The Gamecocks went through a two-hour practice in “shells” Tuesday afternoon. Saturday’s game will be televised regionally by Jefferson Pilot Sports. Kickoff time is set for 12:08 p.m.
* Injury update from the Gamecock camp: QB Dondrial Pinkins (shoulder) did some limited throwing on Tuesday; WR Troy Williamson (leg bruise) returned to practice; RB/WR Andrea Gause (ankle sprain) returned to practice. LB Lance Laury was sick and did not practice; WR Travis Lee sprained his ankle Monday night at practice and is out.
* Here are some of head coach Lou Holtz’s comments following practice: “Several of the players have the flu and virus, including me. I can’t really tell about this team right now. Tomorrow will be a critical practice. Dondrial (Pinkins) threw a few balls today, but that’s about it. We’ve had difficulties at guard this season. Fran Person has had a good week and he may start at one of the guard positions. Clemson’s offense is very similar to Florida’s. We will need to force (Charlie) Whitehurst to throw before he’s ready to throw. They blitz an awful lot on defense. They play very good man coverage and their cornerbacks are excellent. Kickoff coverage is a concern. Their guy (Justin Miller) is as good as there is in the country. I don’t feel there is a continuity with our offense right now. Demetris Summers has developed into a very good back over the past three weeks. He’s growing and he’s maturing. Next year, he should be excellent. It’s important for a player like him and Syvelle Newton to realize the importance of an offseason program and working out with the other players.”
* Coach Holtz said that he was not planning to administer a quiz on the Carolina-Clemson rivalry to the players this year. Nor was he planning on having any former Gamecocks speak to the team about the importance of the rivalry. “We did those things last year and the year before,” said Holtz. “We just want to focus on the game. Focus on Clemson. That’s it.”
* When asked about the speculation that he has spoken with former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier about the prospects of coming to South Carolina should he decide to retire, Coach Holtz said: “I’ve talked with Steve. We’re friends. I’ve asked him how to cure my slice. That’s about it.”
