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Practice report: Offense fares well in scrimmage
USC wide receiver Tori Gurley
Ray Rast / RayRast.com
Posted on 08.12.09
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GALLERY: 86 photos from Tuesday night's practice
Leading off
Maybe it was a small sign, but the beleaguered South Carolina offense will take it: It fared well in the Gamecocks’ first scrimmage of the fall.
The passing numbers for the top three quarterbacks were particularly impressive: A combined 22-for-35, 309 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.
“It was one of our typical scrimmages, although I think our offensive guys did a little bit better than most of the scrimmages,” coach Steve Spurrier said.
Starting quarterback Stephen Garcia “threw some good ones here and there” according to Spurrier. The redshirt sophomore was 11-for-15 for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
The top two backups, redshirt freshmen Reid McCollum and Aramis Hillary, each threw a touchdown pass.
McCollum was 7-for-14 for 92 yards. Hillary was 4-for-6 for 52 yards and also rushed for 17 yards on four carries.
Spurrier said McCollum “had a decent night,” while Hillary “did a few good things here and there.”
The lone turnover was an interception thrown by walk-on quarterback Zac Brindise to freshman safety Quin Smith in the end zone.
Stock rising
Receiver Tori Gurley had a big night, hauling in two touchdowns — one each from Garcia and McCollum. The redshirt freshman finished with five catches for 76 yards.
“He broke two tackles on one of them,” Spurrier said. “Caught a little hitch pass and juked, broke two tackles to get in from about 10 yards out. So Tori had a really excellent night.”
Stock falling
The running backs had an off night. Starter Brian Maddox only totaled 9 yards six carries, while freshmen Kenny Miles (40 yards on nine carries) and Jarvis Giles (33 yards on 10 carries) fared better. Walk-on Bryce Sherman was the leading rusher (52 yards on nine carries) thanks a long run.
“Other than that, our running game wasn’t as potent as we’re hoping it’s going to be,” Spurrier said. “But that’s OK right now.”
Injury update
Freshman defensive lineman Ronald Byrd hurt his knee, and Spurrier said it “may have been an ACL injury.” ... Walk-on receiver Wilkes Goolsby, a candidate for playing time, is out for about a week with a sprained shoulder. Tight end Mike Triglia (jammed shoulder) also is out a week or two. ... Antonio Allen (groin pull) sat out of practice.
Quote of the day
“Even though I’m a sophomore, I’m one of the older guys.”
— cornerback Akeem Auguste, discussing the inexperience of the secondary
Extra points
Offensive lineman Steven Singleton was treated after the scrimmage for a heat-related issue, but Spurrier thought he would be OK. “Those guys are not in great shape yet, that’s to be expected,” Spurrier said. “I think he’s all right over there. He just got tired. He’s got a little asthma, I think.” ... A night after being held out of practice for disciplinary reasons, receiver Joe Hills scrimmaged. The junior finished with two catches for 52 yards, including a touchdown.
Up next
The Gamecocks will practice tonight at 7:30. The workout is closed to the public.
— Seth Emerson
Video; Pre-scrimmage practice sights and sounds
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