Dec. 30, 2012

Blog: “Last Full Practice”

The University of South Carolina football team worked out again at Jefferson High School in Tampa on Sunday. The Gamecocks (10-2) are preparing for the 2013 Outback Bowl against Michigan (8-4). The game is set for January 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

“I think the guys have been focused,” said defensive coordinator Lorenzo Wardfollowing Sunday’s workout. “We’ve had good practices back in Columbia and good practices since we’ve been here. I thought the guys were really focused today. We try to show them just about everything (Michigan has) done all season, so we don’t know what we’re going to get but by the time game time, hopefully after the first 15-20 plays we’ll know what they’re doing.”

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has been coy on which of his two quarterbacks would take the most snaps, but that doesn’t concern Ward. “Not at all. We don’t care,” said Ward. “They’re both athletic, they both can run the football, they both can throw the football. To us, it’s the same guy. For what we do on defense, it’s irrelevant.”

The Gamecocks should go into the contest healthy. “We’ve been blessed so far,” noted Ward. “All the guys that have been banged up are well. It looks like we’re playing real fast.”

The Gamecocks will have their usual “Friday” walk-thru on Monday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.