Aug. 25, 2009

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The University of South Carolina football team continued its preparations for the September 3 season opener at NC State with a full pad practice on Tuesday afternoon at the Bluff Road Proving Grounds.

“Just another practice today,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the workout. “Nine days until we play. So we’re closing down preseason and getting into our week before the game type practices here in a couple of days. It was just a so-so practice – nothing to brag about today. We got some work in and we’ll get ready to go tomorrow at the same time.”

The Gamecocks figure to use a running backs by committee approach, at least in the early going. “All the backs are healthy except Brian Maddox,” said Coach Spurrier. “He didn’t participate too much today. But the other guys are getting back healthy, so we’ve got five running backs ready to go.”

Matt Clements returned to wide receiver after a brief look at cornerback. “Matt had a good day today,” said the Head Ball Coach. “He knows offense a lot better than defense right now. He can help us on the offensive side.”

Cliff Matthews missed the practice with a little fever, according to Coach Spurrier.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Wednesday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. The practice is closed to the public.