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Practice report: Geathers or McKnight to start at DE
Posted on 09.24.08
CommentsNews of the day
Something stood out to Steve Spurrier when he looked at the SEC stats: Vanderbilt ranks last in total offense and defense yet is undefeated. Then Spurrier saw a telling stat: The Commodores are tied with Florida for the best turnover margin (plus-9) in the league.
Spurrier’s USC team, on the other hand, ranks 112th in the nation, at minus-7.
Most of the blame rests with the offense, which has accounted for a league-high nine interceptions and three fumbles. The USC defense has forced five turnovers, tied for third fewest in the league.
Spurrier thinks some of that has had to do with playing teams that don’t pass much, such as Wofford and Vanderbilt. He added that defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is preaching the need for harder hits to knock the ball loose.
“We need to get a little more turnovers and, hopefully, make something happen special team-wise,” Spurrier said. “That’s how you score a lot of points usually.”
Reserve linebacker Marvin Sapp said the defense understood it had to start making more big plays.
“We’ve got people that can create turnovers, and we have created turnovers. We’ve just got to keep doing it. We’ve got to increase it,” Sapp said.
Stock rising
Second-year defensive ends. Either sophomore Clifton Geathers or redshirt freshman Byron McKnight will start at one defensive end spot this week while Jordin Lindsey serves a one-game suspension for missed classes. At the other spot will be sophomore Cliff Matthews, whom Spurrier said has been one of the team’s most consistent players.
Stock falling
Right guard Heath Batchelor, who also is sitting out this week, worked with the scout team Wednesday. Batchelor sat out the first half of the Wofford game and might have to compete with Terrence Campbell to earn back his starting job.
Injury report
Senior receiver Kenny McKinley (hamstring) remains out for Saturday. Otherwise, Spurrier said the team is “pretty healthy.”
Quote of the day
“They all play their hearts out every play. It’s fun to watch them play, to tell you the truth. And we’re trying to get to that level, trying to play like Wofford around here. If we can do that, we’ll have a chance.” — Spurrier
Extra point
Freshman C.C. Whitlock’s move from receiver to the secondary is “pretty permanent right now,” Spurrier said.
Scouting report
Alabama-Birmingham offensive coordinator Kim Helton has known Spurrier a long time. Both played at Florida — Helton was a freshman when Spurrier was a senior — and Helton was the offensive line coach when Spurrier coached the Washington Redskins.
— Seth Emerson
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