Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Turner, sen to play in tt homecomin I By Dave Kay III.Jl oian writer For senior linebacker Pat Turner, this Saturday's homecoming game against East Carolina will be another one of "the lasts." "Last week we (the seniors) were saying it's the last time we'll ever play in Sanford Stadium against the Bulldogs, and this is our last homecoming game," Turner said. "We've never lost a homecoming game since I've been here so I don't want to make this year our first." Turner's past leading up to this homecoming game hasn't been without itc charp of rhannpc -w >V*. V V. Wi ivti lyvw. He was recruited as a quarterback by the late Joe Morrison but was overshadowed with the emergence of Todd Ellis. With Ellis receiving the spotlight, Turner decided to transfer to Georgia Tech. After a short stay in Atlanta, Turner returned to USC and was converted into a defensive back. This past season was a good year for Turner as he impressed many with his quick adjustment to the other side of the ball, but when Sparky Woods arrived it was iors set leir last g match time for yet another position ? linebacker. A Km if tho TnmAr nwui u ic v/iiaii^o, iuiiici oaiu, i vc enjoyed it a lot, but it has been difficult. You change your mentality again trying to learn a new position and a new technique. But I like the position; it's probably one of the most fun to play." Before the Georgia game, Turner and his defensive teammates had been criticized for playing as individuals and not as a team, but in Athens the defense came together. "It was just a matter of time," Turner said, "I don't think we're an undisciplined group of ballplayers, but we're playing like it. We started playing as a team and doing what we're supposed to." It will take another outstanding defensive effort this Saturday against the high-scoring East Carolina offense which is ranked 8th in the nation with an average of 36.8 points per game, along with highly touted quarterback Travis Hunter. i ms game is very Dig ror us, i urner said. "We have to forget about Georgia ? we have to win this game." TmJaI a! I f k WiLjpi Hp _ - Jill USC defensive lineman Marty Dye prepai Dye says I been playi By Dave Kay i Staff Writer Sophomore defensive tackle Marty Dye may still be young, but he is tak- | ing a very mature approach to this year's homecoming game against i East Carolina. "I just think of it as another game," i Dye said. "I try not to let the home- < Jfgv( gl#I p - f m 'k ' res to help out on a tackle against Vii JSC defei ng more i coming activities get in the way about how I feel towards the game." Dye, a Greenwood native, showed promise as a defensive lineman this past year by recording 70 tackles as a redshirt freshman. This season, Dye is a vital part of the Gamecock line which handily shut down the Georgia Bulldog running at? 1 <rs> f // Send her a Cnrol i nn frnrlitinn fresh Carolina mum From only FLORIST Call 799-3733 2001 DEVINE FIVE POINTS FILE PHOTO rginia Tech earlier this season. ise has intense "We've been playing much better and much more intense. The system is starting to come together." Marty Dye tack last Saturday, propelling (JSC to a 24-20 victory. Dye collected a AAAAAM U!MU 4 4 IMAAAIAIA/J 4AAI/Ia^ M ocdoUi rl uy 11 I I uiidbbisteu idOMCd 111 the game and raised his total number of tackles to 38 on the year, third best behind Patrick Hinton and Robert Gibson. The defense, which received early criticism for lack of pressure, has drastically improved over the last two ballgames. Dye attributes the intensity level as being the difference. "We've been playing much better and much more intense. The system is starting to come together," Dye said. Following a huge emotional win with the same amount of intensity against a weaker team will be a challenge, but Dye remembers the problems that ECU quarterback Travis Hunter and the rest of the Pirates caused for the Gamecocks this past year. "He's a real good quarterback and last year they put it to us," Dye admitted, "It will be a great challenge this year." This Saturday's game will only be Dye's second homecoming game at USC, therefore, he wants to win the game for the sake of the seniors. "It means more to the seniors because a lot of their friends will be coming back to see them play," Dye said. "They want us to make them look good, and we want to make them look good." Dye and the rest of the Gamecocks will get a chance to prove their worth Saturday at the 1:30 p.m. kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium.