GoGamecocks.com
Notes: Wallace returns with gusto
USC running back Bobby Wallace (22) rushes with the Alabama-Birmingham defense behind him during the third quarter as USC leads Alabama-Birmingham 26-13 Saturday at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., Sept. 27, 2008.
Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com /The State
CommentsUSC tailback Bobby Wallace ran like someone with a lot of pent-up energy, which makes sense.
The senior from Conway made the most of his first carries since 2006, rushing six times for 51 yards Saturday in the Gamecocks’ 26-13 victory against Alabama-Birmingham.
Wallace, the first player to commit to USC coach Steve Spurrier before the 2005 season, missed all of an injury-plagued 2007 season, which began ominously when he broke his right collarbone during preseason drills.
The 5-foot-7, 202-pound Wallace started this season as the fourth-team tailback and has spent time on the scout team. But with starter Mike Davis suspended for missing classes, Wallace was part of a tailback rotation with Brian Maddox and Eric Baker.
Wallace, whose 21-yard run in the second half was the Gamecocks’ longest, said he did not realize Spurrier would play him as much as he did.
“He threw me in there and said, ‘Bobby, go,’” Wallace said.
With Davis set to return next week, carries again could be scarce for Wallace. But he said he has no regrets about coming to USC.
“I’m getting a good education. That’s the most important thing,” he said. “I’m just working hard. When my opportunity comes, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
New starters. As expected, the Gamecocks had several new starters on offense.
Maddox scored his first career touchdown in his first start, while second-year receivers Joe Hills and Jason Barnes (a career-high three catches for 46 yards) started for the second time in their careers. Senior tight end Larry Freeman made his first start when the Gamecocks opened in a two-tight end set with Freeman and Jared Cook.
On defense, defensive end Clifton Geathers started for Jordin Lindsey, one of four players suspended for missing classes.
Succop’s night. Kicker Ryan Succop received a game ball after booting a career-high four field goals. Succop’s 14 points gave him 202 for his career and moved him into a tie for second place with George Rogers. With 39 career field goals, Succop is tied for second in that category, as well.
Familiar face. When USC defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson began his preparations this week for UAB’s offense, it was the second time Johnson has taken a long look at tape of Blazers quarterback Joe Webb.
When Johnson was Sylvester Croom’s coordinator at Mississippi State, he tried to recruit Webb to Starkville. Johnson said the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Webb was a well-rounded student at his high school in Birmingham, Ala.
“He only played a year or two of high school football and was under-recruited. He’s a tremendous athlete. I think he was a basketball player, but he played in the band and he was an honor student,” Johnson said. “We ended up not taking him because of his lack of experience. But I knew he was going to be a really good player if he stuck with it. He hasn’t surprised me at all.”
UAB receiver heads home. Frantrell Forrest, the Blazers’ leading receiver, left Columbia before the game to return to his hometown of Mobile, Ala., following the death of his grandmother. Forrest, a 6-2, 195-pounder sophomore, set UAB freshman receiving records last year and had accounted for a third of the Blazers’ catches and receiving yards this season.
Extra points. UAB’s Swayze Waters’ 38-yard field goal was the first first-quarter score allowed by USC this season. The Blazers took over at the USC 19-yard line and lost 2 yards in three plays before kicking the field goal.... Four days after being hospitalized with chest pains and shortness of breath, left tackle Jarriel King was in the starting lineup. King, a junior from North Charleston, is expected to undergo heart surgery after the season to correct an irregular heartbeat. ... C.C. Whitlock, who was moved from receiver this week, saw action at cornerback. ... Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lance Laury, a former Lower Richland and USC standout, was introduced in the first quarter. Laury was in town during Seattle’s bye week. ...
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.
Most Viewed Stories
- USC fends off Bulls' charge
- Last-second goal ends USC's soccer season
- Miami coach had brief USC tie
- USC wary of Spiller on kickoffs
- Norwood among final five on Butkus list
- Barnes Has Good Visit With USC
- Lattimore Sticking With Visit Plans
- Emerson: Hold off on wait and see coaches
- Big Tackle To Check Out USC
- Gamecocks' bowl bid needs 1 for the road
@Nyx.CommentBody@