Sept. 12, 2011

The University of South Carolina football returned to the practice fields Monday night after an off day Sunday. The Gamecocks (2-0, 1-0 SEC) are coming off a wild 45-42 win at Georgia on Saturday. They are beginning preparations for Saturday’s home opener against Navy (2-0). Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. ESPN2 will be televising the game nationally, with Mike Patrick handling the play-by-play, Craig James as the analyst and Jeannine Edwards patrolling the sidelines.

The Gamecocks have moved up to 10th in the Associated Press poll it was announced late today after an error in the tabulation was discovered.

Senior cornerback Akeem Auguste is questionable for Saturday’s game against Navy as he continues to battle a foot injury. Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward said he hopes to have Auguste back for the Vanderbilt game in two weeks.

C.C. Whitlock was in a “yellow” non-contact jersey on Monday due to a neck stinger, but is expected to play on Saturday.

DeVonte Holloman will work at strong safety this week after splitting time at Spur with Antonio Allen last week.

Defensive line coach Brad Lawing said his unit had some big plays, but needs to become more consistent. “We have to make tremendous improvement this week,” said Lawing, as his squad prepares for the option attack run by Navy, the nation’s top rushing team.

The Gamecocks will return to the Bluff Road practice fields on Tuesday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.

The weekly Steve Spurrier press conference will be held at noon on Tuesday. The press conference can be seen live each week on the official website of Gamecock Athletics, GamecocksOnline.com.