Sept. 20, 2006

The University of South Carolina football squad worked out for two hours Wednesday afternoon at the Bluff Road practice fields. The Gamecocks (2-1) are preparing for Saturday’s 7 p.m. contest against Florida Atlantic (0-3).

Tailback Cory Boyd continued to wear a boot on his injured right ankle and did not practice. He is listed as doubtful for the FAU contest. Linebacker Cody Wells, who suffered a right ankle injury during practice on Monday, has also been downgraded to doubtful after not practicing on Wednesday. Quarterback Chris Smelley was limited with a sore left heel. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (right forearm) practiced with pads and is expected to play on Saturday. Wide receiver Mike West (hamstring) and offensive tackle Gurminder Thind (foot) did not practice and will not play on Saturday.

Following the two-hour session, Head Coach Steve Spurrier addressed the media:

“We had a decent practice today and hopefully we’ll play a little better this week.”

“Cory Boyd looks like he’s out. He hasn’t practiced all week. Mike Davis, Taylor Rank and Bobby Wallace will be the three running backs.”

On the progression of offensive guard Matt Raysor: “Matt Raysor has come in there a little more. He should get in the game.”

On working the team harder in practice: “We’ve done more intense work. Ask me after the game Saturday night – that’s all that counts. This is just preparation out here to see how we play on Saturday night. We haven’t had anybody complain yet. Nobody wanted to forfeit their scholarship.”

On how he’s split reps at quarterback between Syvelle Newton and Blake Mitchell: “They’ve split them with Syvelle probably getting a little more because he’s never played quarterback until the last couple of weeks. He’s made some improvement. Hopefully it will show Saturday night. We’ll start Syvelle and maybe there will be a spot for Blake in there and go from there. They showed improvement today in practice so that was encouraging.”

The Gamecocks will practice again on Thursday afternoon.