April 6, 2007
The University of South Carolina football squad went through a 92-play scrimmage at Williams-Brice Stadium on Friday, as they completed their third week of spring drills. The temperature was in the 60s, much cooler than last Saturday’s scrimmage, as the Gamecocks’ first offense put three touchdowns on the board in front of an estimated crowd of 2,500.
“It was a good scrimmage,” said head coach Steve Spurrier. “It’s always good when no one got hurt seriously. The first offense outscored the first defense, but the second and third defense outscored the second and third offense, so the defense won, 53-47. We had a lot of good plays here and there. It was a good effort overall – better than last week. I thought the quarterbacks were much improved. Our offensive line was so-so again today, but I’m hoping our defensive line is going to be hard to block this year.”
Senior quarterback Blake Mitchell completed 13-of-26 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Two of his scoring strikes went to Kenny McKinley, connecting with the junior wide out from 27 yards and from two yards. He also hooked up with sophomore Jared Cook on a nine-yard touchdown reception. Redshirt freshman Chris Smelley connected on 12-of-21 passes for a game-high 171 yards, including a 66-yarder to senior tailback Cory Boyd, who slipped past several defenders and ran out of his shoe before being pushed out of bounds at the two yard line. Sophomore Tommy Beecher completed 8-of-12 passes for 90 yards and an interception.
The defense got on the board twice, as junior linebacker Yvan Banag recovered a backwards pass and scampered 25 yards to paydirt. “It was an ill-advised backward pass that they scooped up and scored, which gave the defense nine points,” noted Coach Spurrier. Junior cornerback Stoney Woodson intercepted a Beecher pass and scooted 97 yards for another score.
Junior tailback Bobby Wallace was the top rusher in the game, carrying 13 times for 56 yards. Boyd added 50 yards on eight carries and caught three passes for 72 yards. Redshirt freshman tight end Nick Prochak hauled in a game-high five catches for 42 yards. McKinley was the top wide receiver statistically with three receptions for 42 yards.
“Prochak did some good things in there. He’s not really sure what to do every play, but he can catch the ball. He’s got a chance to be a pretty good tight end. And he wants to play. Boyd is solid – he’s ready to go.”
In addition to the two scores, the defense was led by sophomore defensive end Eric Norwood, who was credited with 3.5 sacks. True freshman Travian Robertson blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by Ryan Succop.
“Eric Norwood is always active. He makes things happen,” said Coach Spurrier.
The Gamecocks will take the rest of the Easter weekend off, then begin their final week of spring practice on Monday, April 9. The annual Garnet & Black Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 15 at 2 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at the Colonial Center ticket office and on-line at www.uscsports.com.
SCORING PLAYS:
27-yard pass from Blake Mitchell to Kenny McKinley (Ryan Succop kick)
25-yard fumble recovery by Yvan Banag (no extra point attempt)
2-yard pass from Blake Mitchell to Kenny McKinley (Spencer Lanning kick)
97-yard interception return by Stoney Woodson (no extra point attempt)
9-yard pass from Blake Mitchell to Jared Cook (two-point conversion failed)
PASSING: Blake Mitchell 26-13-1, 135 yards, 3 TDs; Chris Smelley 21-12-0, 171 yards; Tommy Beecher 12-8-1, 90 yards.
RUSHING: Bobby Wallace 13-56; Cory Boyd 8-50; Calvin Parks 4-7; Kris Mizell 1-5; Tommy Beecher 2-(-11); Chris Smelley 2-(-15); Blake Mitchell 3-(-24).
RECEIVING: Nick Prochak 5-42; Cory Boyd 3-72; Bobby Wallace 3-48; Kenny McKinley 3-42, 2 TDs; Jared Cook 2-30 1 TD; Alex McGrath 2-33; Scott Spurrier 2-27; Moe Brown 2-12; Lanard Stafford 2-12; Ryan Brown 2-5; Larry Freeman 1-31; Mike West 1-12; Marquise Brown 1-11; Foxy Foxworth 1-7; Kris Mizell 1-7; Robert Pavlovic 1-6; Bryan Kingrey 1-(-1).
