South Carolina vs. Kentucky: Steve Spurrier Sets the Table
By Sydney Hunte
Bits and pieces from Steve Spurrier’s weekly press conference as he closed the book on Saturday’s loss to Missouri and previewed the game at Kentucky.
–Probably the most notable piece of news to come out of today was the fact that Dylan Thompson didn’t practice yesterday (neck).
Dylan Thompson didn't practice yesterday, he's going to try to move around a little today. Spurrier said it's a strained neck.
— Matt Connolly (@MattConnollyOn3) September 30, 2014
So who is the backup? Spurrier wasn’t prepared to make that call yet between Perry Orth and Connor Mitch. So there’s that. Fortunately, Thompson is looking like he’ll start on Saturday against the Wildcats.
–Pharoh Cooper was also held out, but from Spurrier’s comments, it was pretty much a maintenance day and the sophomore should be fine.
Spurrier says Pharoh Cooper also missed practice. "Only so many hits a receiver can take."
— Derek Phillips (@DerekPhillips89) September 30, 2014
Pharoh Cooper should be able to practice soon and play on Saturday.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) September 30, 2014
So there’s good news. Cooper has impressed with his play this season and continues to put up some good numbers (24 catches, 296 yards) as he has been utilized more in the wideout position here in 2014.
–Spurrier had some good things to say about Kentucky, who he has a 20-1 career record against, remarking about the fact that they have come a long way.
Spurrier on Kentucky: "They play smart, tough. They are well coached." #Gamecocks
— Gamecock Athletics (@GamecocksOnline) September 30, 2014
Obviously, Spurrier’s made them look bad in the past, but I get a feeling that the 20-1 record is the furthest thing from his mind given the way his team has played at times this year.
–About the decision to not go for 2 on Cooper’s TD catch:
The two-point snafu: "Not a soul said a word. I just happened to look up at the scoreboard." Realized they should have done it.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) September 30, 2014
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That would have, of course, made it 21-7 if they were to convert. On the other side of the coin, there was no way to predict that the game would turn out the way it did. If the defense made a few more plays down the stretch and South Carolina ended up winning, even if they didn’t go for it, no one would be talking about it at all. But here we are.
–Cody Waldrop is set to practice today and could play on Saturday.
–I didn’t see anything about Spurrier’s decision to go for it on 4th and 1; I suppose the answer he gave on Saturday about “always” going for it in that situation sufficed. Again, if they pick it up, it’s not even a point of discussion.
–Then, of course, there was Maty Mauk running into Spurrier during the the fourth quarter.
Spurrier doesn't think Mauk or Pinkel need to apologize. "He didn't give me an extra elbow or anything."
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) September 30, 2014
Forgive and forget. Good call.