Oct. 8, 2013

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The No. 14/12 South Carolina football team moved its practice into Williams-Brice Stadium on Tuesday afternoon on a cool and rainy day in Columbia. The Gamecocks (4-1, 2-1 SEC) are preparing for Saturday’s SEC matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-3, 0-2 SEC).

All-America defensive end Jadeveon Clowney did not practice on Tuesday, but spoke with the media about the events that unfolded last Saturday night when he did not play against Kentucky due to a muscle strain around his ribcage. “It was a miscommunication between me and the coaches and the trainer. I should have handled it different.” Clowney indicated he originally suffered the injury during the UCF game, and aggravated it on Wednesday during practice.

Clowney put a stop to those who feel he should take the rest of the year off. “That’s people’s opinion. I’m out here with my team every day, practicing with my team. People can say what they want to say. They’re not here. They’re not in the locker room or around the coaching staff with us. I know what’s going on around here. We’re 4-1 and just trying to keep winning games. That’s all we can do.”

Clowney remains questionable for the Arkansas game and does not know when he’ll return, but has been getting regular treatment from the athletics training staff. “It depends on how I’m feeling. It’s bothering me. I can’t really run right now. When I start back running, I will be out there.”

Clowney confirmed he is still committed to the team. “I know my situation with the team. Our goals are still out there for us. I dedicate myself to this team and this university. I’m just going to do what I have to do to get better and come back out there and play.

“I enjoy playing (football),” added Clowney. “I come out here every day since I’ve been here. You all should know that by now. I just take it one day at a time. I’m in college. I’m playing for this university right now. I’m going to do that and get ready for the future. I’m not looking past this week. We’ve got Arkansas coming up. I’m here to play for my team and my university.

“I haven’t played my last game yet,” noted Clowney. “I will be back on the field. I just don’t know how long it will take to get back but I’m going to be back playing. I’m going to keep doing my thing, keep playing football and moving forward.”

Saturday’s game is set for 12:21 p.m. ET (11:21 a.m. local) at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000) in Fayetteville. The game will be televised by SEC TV, with Dave Neal and Andre Ware in the booth and Cara Capuano on the sidelines. The SEC TV package is picked up in the Palmetto State by WOLO in Columbia, WMMP in Charleston, WSPA in Greenville/Spartanburg and WWMB in Myrtle Beach/Florence.