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It’s odd to have a South Carolina Gamecocks game week press conference on a Sunday, but with the team playing Texas A&M on Thursday, things like that come with the territory. Nevertheless, the media convened to hear Steve Spurrier give his thoughts on the upcoming game in an over 25-minute media session.
–First off, Spurrier heaped some praise on the job A&M has been doing in bringing in players, but did note one similarity between his team and the Aggies.
Spurrier: It is nice to be picked high. Lets the players know that they have a chance to be pretty good. Still have to go play.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) August 24, 2014
Spurrier: "They've got a lot of good players, so we're looking forward to seeing how we do."
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 24, 2014
–Going into this game, there will be a little unique situation on the starting lineup on defense.
Spurrier says the Dixon brothers will be starting and he thinks its the first time he's had brothers starting.
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) August 24, 2014
HBC notes the Dixon brothers will start on the D-Line ... "both good players and have earned their way to be starters there" #Gamecocks
— Spurs & Feathers (@SpursFeathers) August 24, 2014
Doubtful that two brothers have started together, like Spurrier said, but it’s great to see the Dixons get their shot.
–What about Dylan Thompson? There’s been much made about him going into this season as he takes the starting reins from Connor Shaw. Spurrier’s not worried.
Spurrier believes Thompson has an opportunity to play well, has prepared well and players have confidence in him.
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) August 24, 2014
Backup QB is still an "or" between Orth or Mitch. "We'll wait and see how the game plays out, see if we need to put one in there."
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) August 24, 2014
–Spurrier did address several injuries on his team, namely Mike Matulis (knee) and Jamari Smith (foot). We knew coming in that Smith was done for the year and will return as a redshirt freshman in 2015, but the news is more encouraging for Matulis.
Spurrier said practice has gone about how they've expected. Matulis and Smith the only major injuries. Hopes Matulis is back by midseason.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 24, 2014
Then there’s the big one, running back Mike Davis, and the news looks good on him as well.
"We've got several good running backs. Hopefully Mike will be full speed, 100%. We think he will be."
— TheBigSpur.com (@TheBigSpur247) August 24, 2014
–As far as strategy, Spurrier hopes to control the clock, contingent on getting ahead on the scoreboard first, though.
Spurrier says he'd like to control the clock against A&M, but the Gamecocks have to get a lead first.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 24, 2014
–Other quips from the coach:
Spurrier doesn't think being picked to win the SEC East makes a huge difference. "It's talking season. Talking season's over now."
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 24, 2014
"The schedule has never made a huge difference with me. The opportunity to open the college season gets our players' juices flowing."
— TheBigSpur.com (@TheBigSpur247) August 24, 2014
Spurrier on high national expectations: "It's nice to be picked; it means we have a chance to be pretty good."
— Jay Philips (@JayPhilips1075) August 24, 2014
HBC on improvements to Willy B: "There is a lot more color to our stadium than when I got here in 2005"
— Spurs & Feathers (@SpursFeathers) August 24, 2014
Spurrier hasn't heard anything lately on a possible rivalry trophy between Texas A&M and USC. "I think we've got enough right now."
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) August 24, 2014