Sept. 30, 2010

The No. 20/22 South Carolina Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1 SEC) were back at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds” Thursday afternoon, practicing for the final time this week before enjoying the rest of the week off as part of the bye week.

After the practice, Assistant Head Coach – Defense Ellis Johnson confirmed that linebacker Shaq Wilson is still not at 100 percent. “His hamstring is bothering him again. It’s not good.” Johnson did not know if Wilson would be available against Alabama next week. “It will be day-to-day.”

DeVonte Holloman did not practice this week after sustaining a concussion against Auburn. “He’s still got some real mild symptoms. At this point they feel very positive about him being ready to work next week and be ready to go Saturday.”

Johnson knows he will have his hands full trying to contain reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. “Obviously he’s a great back, but the backup could start for about everybody in the conference. They’re very physical up front. They do a great job fundamentally. They’re better athletically than they were last year up front in my opinion. It’s a very imposing group that functions well and plays well. It’s fundamentals. It’s everything. They have talent and they back it up with good physical play with good fundamentals.”

Alabama’s offense is a completely different style than what Auburn presented. “Auburn was a lot of finesse, trickery and formations and a little bit of the option element and the speed of it. Alabama is just as good at what they do. I don’t know that I could pick which one is the one you want to prepare for. We’ve good games against each (style) and we’ve had bad games against each.”

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields Monday night.