South Carolina practiced Wednesday afternoon, and head coach Steve Spurrier spoke to the media after the session. Due to Thanksgiving, it was the final time Spurrier will speak publicly before South Carolina plays Clemson on Saturday.
Spurrier has been criticized for not placing enough emphasis on beating Clemson, but he continues to call the upcoming game the most important game of the year.
“It’s the biggest game of the year for us, no questions,” Spurrier said. “It’s the biggest one we want to win for our fans and everyone here. We realize the importance of winning the ballgame. To play our best is what we’ve got to concentrate on, getting prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally to go out and play our best.”
Spurrier chastised a reporter who asked if the Gamecocks will kick to C.J. Spiller, the Tigers’ very talented running back and returner.
“We can’t divulge our game plans,” Spurrier said. “You know we can’t answer those. We’ll tell you after the game what we were trying to do.”
Spurrier maintained that general vagueness as he answered most questions about Clemson. He did not say anything specific about what Clemson does to be successful.
“They’re a good team, they’re playing well,” Spurrier said. “They get a lot of turnovers, they get special teams scores, they’re a total team. We’ve got to play well if we’re going to beat them.”
He also gave only his typically equivocal analysis of how the Gamecocks have done in practice.
“We’ve had decent practices,” Spurrier said. “We need to go play the game as well as we can, and try to play without any crucial turnovers and try to get some. We haven’t had any lately.”
Spurrier was willing to reveal what the offensive line will look like. With right tackle Hutch Eckerson returning from a shoulder injury, Spurrier expects the starting five to be the same as it was against Florida, with (left to right) Kyle Nunn, Lemuel Jeanpierre, Garrett Anderson, T.J. Johnson, and Eckerson.
“The O-line should look similar to last week,” Spurrier said. “Hutch Eckerson was out here today. He and Quintin [Richardson] will probably both play at right tackle.”
Defensive tackle Kenny Davis missed practice to attend a funeral, according to defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson.
“Kenny had a funeral, and I don’t know the details,” Johnson said. “Unless something happens with the arrangements, [Davis will be back by Saturday].”
On Tuesday, both during his press conference and during his call-in show, Spurrier said he hoped the entire coaching staff returns next season. He reiterated that on Wednesday, saying he likes the progress that has been made in team chemistry and recruiting.
“I think they all know that. We’ve got an excellent group of coaches and an excellent group of players. There’s absolutely no problem with team unity and all that. Hopefully all our coaches will be back. We are having an excellent recruiting class right now, and hope to add four or five more guys that can really make it something special.
While most people are enjoying Thanksgiving with their families Thursday, the Gamecocks will have a practice day. The players will have to wait until after the game to celebrate with their families, but on Thursday they will celebrate the holiday with some less fortunate children.
“We’ve got next week to do all that with our families,” Spurrier said. “We’ll go to the Epworth Children’s Home tomorrow with our team and have lunch with those children and try to spread a little bit of goodwill, whatever we can do. We’ll practice tomorrow afternoon and do our normal Thursday practice.”
