Practice report: Gamecocks embrace underdog role

After a preseason pick for SEC East champ fizzled into 7-6 last year, is South Carolina embracing this year, where many predictions have it placing fifth in its own division?

“That’s fine,” senior Mike Matulis said. “I like it that way. We’ve been practicing like people are taking us lightly and we’ve been hitting for four weeks and I think we’re ready to go hit somebody else. We’re ready to shock the world.”

Steve Spurrier came into the season saying USC just might stick around and win a few games that people don’t expect them to win. He has said throughout camp that he likes his team’s camaraderie.

As for writing the prediction on the chalkboard every day in the locker room …

“Just trying to get our guys to play as good as they can play,” Spurrier said. “That’s the only thing I know how to do. We’re not over-confident, that’s for sure. Hopefully we’ll be anxious to show the country we’re a pretty good team.”

About that time. A week before the season-opener, offensive line coach Shawn Elliott thinks he has a starting five – although anything can change.

As it stands, USC would start (left to right): Brandon Shell, Mike Matulis, Alan Knott, Will Sport and Mason Zandi.

“We’ve been running the same solid five with the first group and unless something drastic happens they’ll probably be the first group that runs out there,” Elliott said.

Double-take. He’s a little shorter, a little broader in the shoulders.

But when the helmet comes off, revealing a shoulder-length mop of brown hair, it’s easy to think, “Is that Stephen Garcia?”

“I get that a good bit. Especially going around campus,” fullback Rivers Bedenbaugh said. “I’m not him, but I watched Carolina growing up.”

Bedenbaugh was listed as the Gamecocks’ starting fullback on the preseason depth chart, a wish come true for the Leesville native who attended every USC game he could as a youth. He hopes it carries over to the season – while of course it would be fun to carry the ball, “I get more out of laying a good lead block more than ever getting the ball anyway.”

Bedenbaugh walked on at Georgia Southern out of high school but left after coach Jeff Monken departed the Eagles for Army. There was only one choice for Bedenbaugh.

“I always wanted to play here at South Carolina,” he said. “I just wanted to chase the dream of playing here.”

Crowned. Nickel back T.J. Gurley has earned a reputation as one of USC’s hardest hitters. He says that’s fine, but he’s not the king.

Who is?

“Jon Walton,” Gurley said. “He brings the hat.”

Red Cross report. Players who were injured or wore yellow jerseys were: TE Connor Redmond (back), PK Joseph Charlton (back), QB Gage Pucci (knee), CB Shannon James (wrist) and SS Antoine Wilder (right knee sprain).

Next up. The Gamecocks will next practice at 4 p.m. on Thursday. It is closed to the public.

This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 6:56 PM.