Sept. 17, 2007

The 12th-ranked South Carolina Gamecock football team returned to the Bluff Road practice fields on Monday for the first time since their 38-3 win over South Carolina State on Saturday. The Gamecocks are beginning preparations for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. ET showdown with No. 2 LSU from Baton Rouge. The game will be televised nationally on CBS.

The Gamecocks were without several players on Monday. Coach Spurrier said after practice tonight that defensive lineman Nathan Pepper would have to undergo surgery on his injured left knee and would be out for the remainder of the season. It’s possible he could get a medical redshirt for the season. He also indicated that defensive back Brandon Isaac is doubtful Saturday’s game at LSU after injuring his right shoulder against SCSU. Offensive lineman Gurminder Thind is also doubtful with a left ankle sprain. Other Gamecocks who did not practice on Monday included linebacker Dustin Lindsey (right knee), linebacker Yvan Banag (right knee) and offensive guard Kevin Young (left ankle). Tailback Bobby Wallace (right collarbone) practiced, but was held out of contact drills. Wide receiver Chris Culliver and quarterback Chris Smelley both practiced on Monday after missing last week’s contest.

The Gamecocks will be back on the practice fields on Tuesday afternoon.