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Practice report: McKinley a game-time decision
Posted on 10.03.08
CommentsNews of the day
Star receiver Kenny McKinley, recovering from a hamstring injury, will be a game-time decision Saturday. The senior has not played since getting hurt Sept. 4 at Vanderbilt, but he practiced for the second day in a row Thursday.
“It’s probably like those NFL guys: He’s going to go out for warm-ups and see how much he can go, and we’ll go from there,” Spurrier said.
If McKinley can play, it appears he will start. Spurrier listed Jason Barnes as one starting receiver, then said Joe Hills, Dion LeCorn and Matt Clements will go if McKinley can’t.
“We may flip a coin,” Spurrier said. “They’re all in a wad. That’s just what I got done telling them right then: You guys are all in a wad till somebody steps forward.”
Stock rising
On his radio show, Spurrier said Barnes “looked a little bit like Sidney (Rice).” The 6-foot-4 Barnes, a redshirt freshman, caught three passes for 46 yards against Alabama-Birmingham after catching one pass in the first four games.
Stock falling
Receiver Moe Brown had a breakout game against Georgia, but he has hardly been heard from since. He was not among the receivers Spurrier listed to play in McKinley’s place.
Injury report
Reserve tight end Larry Freeman was back at practice after missing Wednesday’s practice after a root canal.
Quote of the day
“Chris, this is your game, take off with it, let’s go.”
— Spurrier, during his radio show, on quarterback Chris Smelley
Extra points
Senior Jordin Lindsey will start at one defensive end spot, according to defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. Lindsey, who was suspended for last week’s game, was listed as a co-starter this week with sophomore Clifton Geathers. ... Terrence Campbell will start at right guard in place of Heath Batchelor. ... Reserve tackle Quintin Richardson missed practice to do some community service, according to Spurrier.
Scouting report
USC has to gameplan to defend as many as four Mississippi rushers. Brandon Bolden and Cordera Eason are the lead backs, but freshman Enrique Davis has 27 carries and receiver Dexter McCluster has 25 carries as part of the Rebels’ “Wild Rebel” attack.
“They’ll be the best complete group of running backs we’ve faced,” Johnson said.
— Seth Emerson
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