Dec. 19, 2012

The University of South Carolina football team practiced Wednesday morning at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds.” The Gamecocks (10-2) are preparing for the January 1 Outback Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines (8-4).

“We’ve had several decent practices,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the workout. “(Quarterback) Connor Shaw is healthy. He was running around probably the best he has in probably a month or so. He’s all set to start the game. Dylan (Thompson) will play in there. Connor’s been our starter all year and he’s set to go.

“Michigan, the more tape we watch on them, the more we see what a big, strong defensive front they have,” continued the Head Ball Coach. “I think they were second in the Big Ten in total defense. They’re a good, solid team. We’ll really have to play well to give ourselves a chance to beat them.”

Once again, Coach Spurrier indicated that it appears everyone will be eligible from an academic standpoint for the game.

Following the practice, the team was treated to lunch at the Outback Steakhouse on Two Notch Road in northeast Columbia.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday, with a pair of workouts scheduled. They will practice in Columbia through Saturday before taking a few days off for Christmas. The team will fly to Tampa on December 26 and begin bowl week practices on December 27 at Jefferson High School.