Notebook: Spurrier uses 2007 USC upset for motivation

Steve Spurrier is pointing to one of his most surprising victories against Georgia to help his team as it prepares to face the Bulldogs as 17-point underdogs in Athens on Saturday.

In 2007, Spurrier’s Gamecocks were unranked and facing a Georgia team that featured stars Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. USC pulled off the upset of the 11th-ranked Bulldogs 16-12 behind three Ryan Succop field goals.

Spurrier said on his call-in show Thursday night that he has spoken with his team about the game.

“They had a bunch of NFL superstars,” he said. “But our guys just outplayed them that night.”

Too many drops

Spurrier said he has been disappointed with his receivers, who have dropped too many passes that should be caught.

Spurrier expects Perry Orth to play well and handle the environment but added he will need help from his teammates.

“We’re confident that Perry will play very well. He will play very well if the offensive line blocks and gives him some time to throw, if our receivers run good routes and catch the dang ball,” he said. “It’s a little frustrating at times in practice how many dang drops we have. Most of our guys in the past didn’t drop hardly anything. We have a few more than we should right now.”

Nunez will play

Spurrier reiterated that while Orth will start, freshman Lorenzo Nunez will get an opportunity to show what he can do.

“He sort of knows a little bit,” Spurrier said. “We have his limited package of passes, runs and so forth. He’ll be out there playing in the game also.”

Spurrier told the media after Thursday’s practice that the freshman was impressive.

“Nunez threw the ball beautifully today,” he said.

Fans at ‘all-time high’

While Spurrier was disappointed with the way his team played against Kentucky, he was very pleased with the fan support.

“The fans were, I think, at an all-time high the other night,” he said. “They were screaming and yelling, sandstorm, the students were into it.”

Emotional edge

Spurrier said his team gets fired up to play Georgia and sees the Bulldogs as rivals, but he isn’t sure UGA feels the same way.

“I think our players enjoy this game because it’s one of our big ones,” he said. “Georgia ... They’ve got all kinds of rivals. They don’t consider us a big rival.”

Receiver Carlton Heard, an Athens native, is eager to face his hometown team. He said he went to several Georgia games growing up.

“Too many to count. Living in Athens, it’s a real college town. Lot of us went to the game, growing up as a child,” he said. “It’s always been a dream to play in that stadium. It will be good to play on the opposite side.”

Quick hits

... Al Harris remains a starter at corner over Chaz Elder. Chris Lammons (knee) won’t travel. 

... Spurrier said Orth and tight end Jerell Adams will be two of the captains for USC on Saturday. 

... Co-defensive cordinator Jon Hoke thinks Nick Chubb is one of the best he’s seen. “He doesn’t need much,” Hoke said. Stopping him is the biggest key to USC pulling off the upset. 

... Players who were injured or wore yellow jerseys were: CB Chris Lammons (knee), TE Connor Redmond (back), QB Gage Pucci (knee), SS Antoine Wilder (right knee sprain) and C Cody Waldrop (ankle). QB Connor Mitch (shoulder) is out 4-6 weeks. WR Shaq Davidson (knee) and WR Jerad Washington (left leg) are out for the season. 

... The Gamecocks will walk through on Friday and then leave for Georgia. It is closed to the public.

Staff writer David Cloninger contributed to this report

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 6:22 PM.