Oct. 10, 2003

Columbia, S.C. - Leftovers from the Kentucky game - USC's special teams performed well against the Wildcats. The Gamecocks averaged 40 yards net punting and had 102 yards of punt returns to their credit. Placekicker Daniel Weaver also made both of his field goals (20 yards, 31 yards). "We put a real emphasis on our special teams during practice last week, particularly our punt return," said head coach Lou Holtz. "To average 40 yards net punting against a team like Kentucky with Derek Abney is pretty good. Some players who really stood out on punt coverage were Kevin Caldwell, Corey Peoples, Fred Bennett, Cory Boyd, Deandre' Eiland, Tremaine Tyler and Jermaine Harris. Dan Weaver and Joey Bowers did a nice job kicking." ... (on Moe Thompson's hit on UK quarterback Jared Lorenzen): "I slowed the tape down several times and I do not believe it was a late hit," said Holtz. "Their quarterback is sprinting and our player is sprinting after him and he stops to throw the ball and the hit is made. It certainly wasn't a deliberate hit and it wasn't intentional." ... Coach Holtz said that USC's tackling in the fourth quarter was as poor as it's been all season. Holtz also said that the defense may have to seriously look at the type of coverages it plays.

Injury update - OT Travelle Wharton (left ankle sprain); S Jamacia Jackson (low back strain); C John Strickland (left knee bruise); Ol Jabari Levey (hip pointer). Wharton's ankle sprain is considered to be significant. "You cannot afford to lose a player the caliber of Travelle Wharton," said Coach Holtz. "Plus, we're not sure about John Strickland. We'll meet as a staff later today and talk about personnel. I'm not sure what we will do along the offensive line. We could move Na'Shan Goddard to left tackle, or Woodly Telfort , Jeff Barnes or even Jabari Levey. We'll have to wait and see." ... "Travelle Wharton is the leader of this football team," said Coach Holtz. "He's had an ankle injury before (missed one game in 2001 and one game in 2002). I anticipate he could be out for the next couple of weeks. Travelle sets the tempo and sets the standard for the rest of the players. He's not a real loud player, but boy, is he a leader."

Odds and Ends - Coach Holtz says he likes the play of the young receivers, particularly Syvelle Newton and Noah Whiteside. "I like their enthusiasm and their ability to make plays," said Coach Holtz. "They've been productive when given the chance. The people who perform in practice and do things on a consistent basis are the ones who are going to play." ... At the halfway point of the season, Coach Holtz said the team is not consistent enough on offense, still hasn't established an effective pass rush and hasn't created enough turnovers. The team is off on Friday. They will watch film Saturday morning and have a non-contact workout following that. There is no media availability scheduled for Saturday. The next media availability is set for Monday at 12 noon at Coach Holtz's weekly press luncheon in the Letterman's Lounge.