08/22 USC Preseason Football Report

Columbia, S.C. - South Carolina went through a dress rehearsal scrimmage late Friday afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium, as kick-off for the 2003 season is now just eight days away. The Gamecocks open at home Aug. 30 against Louisiana-Lafayette ...

* The Gamecocks rehearsed everything from pre-game warm-ups, to proper bench decorum, to on-sides kicks, to having their offense backed up in the shadow of their own end zone. The squad also worked on their punting, punt returns, kickoffs and kickoff returns.

* The first team offense looked crisp on the opening series. Quarterback Dondrial Pinkins did a nice job of distributing the football: He hit Kenny Irons for a 15-yard gain, connected with Troy Williamson for a 20-yard pick up and found Daccus Turman for 14 yards. Pinkins then scored on a nine-yard keeper.

* Pinkins and Chavez Donnings teamed up for a 68-yard pass, catch and run in the first half. That big play then led to Pinkins' one-yard TD run. Cornerback Deandre' Eiland picked off a pass from Blake Mitchell, which helped set up a nine-yard touchdown pass from Pinkins to Williamson. Later in the half, freshman linebacker Ryan Brown returned an interception 53 yards for a score. Demetris Summers had a long run of 24 yards. Safety Corey Peoples intercepted a pass from Bennett Swygert. Cornerback Fred Bennett recovered a Troy Williamson fumble.

* "We had no injuries to speak of and that was a good thing," said head coach Lou Holtz. "Three times the offense converted on third and 10. We didn't rush the passer well enough. Offensively, our receivers had two fumbles and we had too many penalties. Chris White did some nice things and it's good to have him back. Darel Slay will be out for an indefinite period with a knee sprain. I doubt if we get anything out of Lance Laury this year (knee injury). Chris White had thought about giving up the game because of his neck situation. He went home on Thursday and came back last night and visited with me. I told him whatever decision he would make, we would support 100 percent. He said he loves the game and wants to play. All in all, there were too many missed assignments, we gave up some plays on third down and we had too many penalties.