Nov. 17, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – USC football injury update heading into the Clemson game: QB Dondrial Pinkins (rotator cuff) was limited in his throwing Wednesday (questionable); RB Andrea Gause (right ankle sprain) is probable; RB Daccus Turman (right shoulder bruise) is probable; WR Troy Williamson (left lower leg bruise) is probable; WR Travis Lee (left ankle sprain) is out.

o South Carolina and Clemson will meet for the 102nd time this Saturday at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12 noon with Jefferson Pilot Sports televising.

o Here are some comments from assistant head coach Skip Holtz following Wednesday’s practice: “We’ve had a very spirited week of practice, especially considering we played so poorly last week. It’s Clemson week. Enough said. Both teams have so many starters from this state. It’s definitely more than just a game. We haven’t been in pads much this week. We’ve really been working on our execution. Today we went without pads. Clemson has the best secondary we’ve faced. Justin Miller is a big-time player. He’s very physical and has excellent quickness. Their defense has really progressed over the course of the season. They like to line up and challenge you on defense. I think Dondrial (Pinkins) will be available, but how effective, I don’t know. Syvelle (Newton) has been moving around pretty good. His ankle seems much better. This game won’t be won on the blackboard. It will be won with blocking and tackling. Mike Rathe has had a good week of practice. He’s thrown the ball well and certainly could play on Saturday. I’ve rolled him into more of the team situation the past couple of days. Syvelle will start at quarterback. Dondrial could play, but not at the risk of further injury. We definitely want to get to seven wins and improve our bowl situation. The attitude has been very good this week. It hasn’t taken a lot to motivate this team this week. It will be an emotional game on Saturday.”