USC football in prime time twice to open season

South Carolina's first two football games of the 2009 season will be in prime time on national television, it was announced today.

The Gamecocks open the season at N.C. State - a Thursday night contest at 7 on ESPN. Its USC's in Raleigh since the 1999 season and just the school's second trip to Carter-Finley Stadium since 1990.

USC will then open Southeastern Conference play the following week on Sept. 12 at Georgia. That game will be televised nationally on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.

A time for South Carolina's home opener with Florida Atlantic on Sept. 19 has not yet been set.

The Gamecocks appeared on ESPN or ESPN2 six times during the 2008 season.

NOTABLE DATES OF INTEREST:

-- Friday, July 24 – South Carolina at SEC Media Days in Birmingham

-- Thursday, July 30 – Coaches/Media Golf Outing

-- Monday, August 3 – Players Report for fall camp

-- Tuesday, August 4 – First Practice

-- Sunday, August 9 – Media Day

-- Sunday, August 16 – Fan Appreciation Day

-- Thursday, August 20 – Fall Semester Begins

-- Thursday, September 3 – Season Opener at NC State, 7 p.m., ESPN

-- Saturday, September 12 – SEC Opener at Georgia, 7 p.m., ESPN2

-- Saturday, September 19 – Home Opener vs. Florida Atlantic, Game time TBA