Oct. 13, 2008

Columbia, SC – The University of South Carolina football team worked out Monday evening in preparation for Saturday’s SEC contest against 13th-ranked LSU. The Gamecocks (5-2, 2-2 SEC) and Tigers (4-1, 2-1 SEC) will kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. The game will be televised live nationally on ESPN with Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge and Holly Rowe serving as the announce team. The game can be heard on the Gamecock Radio Network, including the Gamecocks’ flagship station, 107.5 The Game in Columbia, as well as on XM satellite radio and ESPN Radio, with Dave Barnett, Dennis Franchione and Dave Ryan describing the action.

Following Monday’s practice, head coach Steve Spurrier announced that offensive guard Heath Batchelor has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.

“We had a pretty good practice tonight,” said Coach Spurrier. “We’re healthy and should be ready to play our best this week.”

Coach Spurrier was asked about the coaching change made today at Clemson. “Just surprised a little bit, but we have our own problems here. We don’t need to comment on other people’s issues. We’re concerned about our problems here – trying to kick some field goals and complete some passes and all that kind of stuff. But it was a little surprising.”

Redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia is expected to make his first start on Saturday. “I guess he handled it ok tonight,” said Coach Spurrier. “It wasn’t much different than all the other nights except he went first and Chris Smelley went second. That was the only difference.”

South Carolina is ranked third in the country this week in total defense. “That’s pretty doggone good,” admitted Coach Spurrier. “We can play some defense. If we can get the offense going just a little bit better, we’ve got a chance against everybody.”

Jared Cook sat out Monday night’s practice, but is listed as probable for Saturday. “Jared should be fine. We put him in a boot to help his foot heal up. He should be fine.”