Nov. 1, 2006

The University of South Carolina football squad (5-3, 3-3 SEC) began its preparations for Saturday night’s 7:47 p.m. ESPN tilt with 12th-ranked Arkansas (7-1, 4-0 SEC) by working out at the Bluff Road practice fields on Wednesday afternoon. The Gamecocks got a lift when senior quarterback Syvelle Newton returned to practice after missing the previous two days with headaches caused in Saturday’s loss to Tennessee. Following the practice session, head coach Steve Spurrier met with the media:

On the rooster crow being banned on third down plays by the SEC: “That is an artificial noisemaker, that’s correct – same as the cowbell. The band plays between plays everywhere we go. Even at home here the opponents’ band plays all the time.”

“Syvelle had a good day today. He was pitching the ball around and running. He looked 100 percent ready to go.”

“We’re 5-3. Might could have been better, but 5-3 is not all that terrible. There are a lot of teams out there 2-6, 1-7, 4-4 whatever, so we’re doing ok. We’re not tearing them up, but we’re doing ok. We need to win us a ballgame this week, and if not this week, then next week and if not, then the next week. We’re still in the building process around here. We’re still in position for a very good season.”

On scheduling a day game against Middle Tennessee: “Late in the year I think most of the guys would prefer day time, but it doesn’t matter to me. It’s been very nice of ESPN to put us on national tv six of seven conference games.”

On changes in the kick return game: “Pretty much the same. Sidney (Rice) may go back on punt returns. He’s very capable there. Mike West may go back there on kickoff return also.”

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday afternoon