July 21, 2009

The University of South Carolina home opener against Florida Atlantic University on Saturday, September 19, will kick off at 7 p.m. ET, it was announced today. The game will be available throughout the Palmetto State on a pay-per-view basis.

The Gamecocks defeated the Owls in their only previous meeting, posting a 45-6 win in Columbia on September 23, 2006. FAU, coached by Howard Schnellenberger, went 7-6 in 2008, including a 24-21 win over Central Michigan in the Motor City Bowl.

With the game time announcement set for Florida Atlantic, game times have now been established for each of the Gamecocks’ first four regular season games. The Gamecocks will open the season on Thursday, September 3 at NC State. That game will be televised nationally on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Carolina will open Southeastern Conference play on Saturday, September 12 at Georgia. That contest will be televised nationally on ESPN2 with kick time also set for 7 p.m. ET. Following the FAU contest, the Gamecocks will host Ole Miss on Thursday, September 24 in another ESPN-televised game, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Gamecocks appeared on ESPN or ESPN2 six times during the 2008 season.

NOTABLE DATES OF INTEREST:

Friday, July 24 – South Carolina at SEC Media Days in Birmingham

Monday, August 3 – Players Report for fall camp

Tuesday, August 4 – First Practice

Sunday, August 9 – Media Day

Sunday, August 16 – Fan Appreciation Day

Thursday, August 20 – Fall Semester Begins

Thursday, September 3 – Season Opener at NC State, 7 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, September 12 – SEC Opener at Georgia, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, September 19 – Home Opener vs. Florida Atlantic, 7 p.m., PPV

Thursday, September 24 – SEC Home Opener vs. Ole Miss, 7:30 p.m, ESPN