Nov. 19, 2014

The University of South Carolina football team (5-5, 3-5 SEC) worked out at the Bluff Road practice fields on a cool Wednesday afternoon in Columbia. The Gamecocks are preparing for their final home game of the 2014 season, a Saturday noon start against the South Alabama Jaguars (6-4, 5-3 Sun Belt). A win would make the Gamecocks bowl-eligible for an 11th-straight season.

Saturday will be Senior Day, with 22 players expected to take part in the festivities. The list includes seniors Rory Anderson, Damiere Byrd, A.J. Cann, Ryland Culbertson, Jordan Diaz, Patrick Fish, Cody Gibson, Sharrod Golightly, Tyler Hull, Nick Jones, Kadetrix Marcus, Connor McLaurin, Sidney Rhodes, Corey Robinson, J.T Surratt, Dylan Thompson and Brison Williams. In addition, Mike Davis, Austin Hails, Coleman Harley, Matthew Harvey and Drew Owens, will also participate despite having a year of eligibility remaining. This year’s senior class has been part of 38 wins, tying for the second-most in school history, including three bowl victories.

The Gamecocks still have a lot to play for this season. “We want to get bowl-eligible,” said senior quarterback Dylan Thompson. “And just have a good time doing it. South Alabama is a good team. We’ve got to come out and play hard, play fast. They play fast and we have to be ready for them. It’s going to be a good day to play. Hopefully we’ll finish strong at home. We want to give the home crowd a good show because we haven’t done that the past few times at home.”

“I think it’s gone by pretty fast to tell you the truth,” said senior offensive guard A.J. Cann of his time at Carolina. “I’ve enjoyed it. We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but I know it’s Senior Day this Saturday and I’m going to enjoy that. Hopefully we’ll come out with the win, which will be even better for us.”

Saturday’s game will be televised on the Fox Sports Net, with Fox Sport South picking it up in the Columbia area. Bob Rathbun will have the play-by-play with Tim Couch providing the color commentary. Olivia Harlan is the sideline announcer.

The Gamecocks will practice again on Thursday afternoon.