HBC Report 11-23

Best news is no news

The best news for the Gamecocks was the lack of any real news from practice. Coaches and fans hold their breath whenever players are on their own for a weekend, but the Gamecocks stayed out of trouble and came back to Columbia focused on the task at hand.

“Everybody came back and everybody was healthy,” Spurrier said. “We didn’t lose anybody over the weekend.”

Spurrier did not notice any effect, positive or negative, from the time off. He will not know until Saturday whether it helped South Carolina to have the time off, but a lot depends on the play of the opponent.

“I’ve never paid a lot of attention to open dates to tell you the truth,” Spurrier said. “Sometimes you play well after one, sometimes you don’t. Hopefully we’ll play a lot better than the last time we played these guys, but we’re a different team, they’re a different team, and it should be a heck of a game.”

McCollum sick

The only player absent from practice was backup quarterback Reid McCollum, who sat out practice with a virus. With McCollum out, Zac Brindise worked with the second team, and Spurrier said Brindise “threw the ball around pretty well”

“Reid had a virus,” Spurrier said. “He was sick again. He’s been sickly this year. I don’t know what his health issues (are), but he’s been sick more than the other guys. We need to get him tested I think.”

Eckerson ailing

Like he did last week, right tackle Hutch Eckerson wore a yellow no contact jersey. Eckerson has a sore shoulder, and although Spurrier acknowledged “there could be a chance” it affects Eckerson this weekend, the redshirt junior is expected to be fine.

“He’s still got a bummed up shoulder a little bit,” Spurrier said. “Quintin Richardson was over there getting most of the right tackle work tonight.”

Clemson a must-win?

For most of the fans, a win over Clemson is all-important, However, Spurrier deflected a question about what a win would mean, and gave his standard pregame assessment.

“We need to worry about playing the best we can, that’s what we’re trying to do,” Spurrier said. “We’re trying not to give them anything. We’re trying to contain (C.J.) Spiller the best we can and Jacoby Ford. They’ve got two big play guys there. Everybody tries to do that. We’re trying to take care of the ball offensively. That’s what we need to worry about right there, playing the best we can.”

Spiller comparisons

The Gamecocks have already squared off against some elite running backs this year, including Mark Ingram, the Heisman Trophy candidate from Alabama. Spurrier feels Clemson’s Spiller compares favorably to the other running backs he has seen, especially when his ability in the return game is considered.

“He’s the fastest, that’s for sure,” Spurrier said. “He can break tackles. He’s really a big time running back that’s certainly got a long career in the NFL ahead of him, I think. He’s one of the best, and as a kick and punt returner he’s one of the best.”

Tigers defense stout

Spurrier also praised on the Clemson defense. South Carolina has faced Florida and Alabama this year, who were ranked either first or second in total defense when South Carolina played them. Spurrier compared Clemson to those two units.

“They’re right there,” Spurrier said. “They’re in the top 10-15 in the nation in almost every defensive category. To have 20 interceptions, that sounds amazing to us, doesn’t it? They’re well coached. Kevin Steele has done an excellent job with those guys.”