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Gamecock football looking for improved offense in 2000 season by Chris Foy The Gamecock The University of South Carolina’s football program can best be described as a work in progress. The team is looking to continue its development in the Southeastern Conference and bounce back from last season’s 0-11 record. Last year, Phil Petty played four, games until he was injured and left a ro tating spot at quarterback. The offensive line was young and injury prone. Through the course of the season, the Gamecocks started a different offensive line in eight of 11 games. As an offense, they were only able to score eight touchdowns on the season. Three came in the finale against Clemson. The offense ranked dead last in the NCAA in scoring, averaging only 7.9 points a game. Freshmen tailback Derek Watson was the offensive highlight of last year. He led the team with 394 rushing yards and an average of 3.5 yards per rush. This year, the Gamecocks have an optimistic approach to the.season. Head Coach Lou Holtz feels that once winning starts, it will be an ongoing pattern. Holtz stated early this year that "...our goal was to put the program on a firm foundation so that when we win, we will continue to do so. I also said I Outlook see page n Women's soccer seeks first win in home debut against N.C. State by Bryan Pella Volpe The Gamecock Sunday marks the return of the USC women's soccer team to the “Grave yard.” The Gamecocks will open their home schedule against ACC foe N.C. State. • Both teams come into the contest with a record of 0-1. The Gamecocks dropped a game at UNC-Greensboro earlier in the week. The Gamecocks wait ed out Mother Nature and an hour and a half rain delay before finally taking the field for the season opener. The 2-0 loss saw the Gamecocks start four freshman and eight newcomers in all. N.C. State also came up short in their season opener. The Wolfpack did everything but put the ball in the net against East Carolina. N.C. State domi nated the game, holding ECU to a paltry three shots and firing 17 shots of their Soccer see page io Pinkney ready for opener by Charles Tomlinson The Gamecock Cleveland Pinkney is the 6’2", 285 lb. defensive lineman for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Pinkney, a retailing major at USC, is originally from Sumter, SC. While attending Sumter High School, he was named co-captain of the South Carolina team in the Shrine Bowl. He was named an "All-American" by USA Today, and made All-State three times each in football, wrestling, and track. A junior college transfer, he had an immediate impact on USCs football team. He was one of the top 25 junior col lege prospects by Super Prep magazine, as well as one of the top five prospects listed by Billy Burton's recruitment agen cies. While playing for USC in 1999, his statistics include 44 total tackles, 4 quarterback hurries, a quarterback sack, and a recovered fumble against North Car olina State. USC head coach Lou Holtz described Pinkney as a "great competitor and an excellent player. He is a strong leader that loves the game.” USC's football team did not win a sin gle game last season, a fact for which they have been much maligned. "If people want to dog and criticize us, well, my job is just to play football. I can't control what people say and what people do, and all I do is just whatever I can to make the situation better," Pinkney said. He added "Last year we were in the situation of coach getting to know play ers, players getting to know coach. This year, we're coming together as a team, and that is the big difference this year from last year." "You go in the shop and fine tune things and fix things, but- never know what your car is going to do until you put it on the track and see how it works. This Saturday is going to be like our first time out on the track," concluded Pinkney. As for this season's goals, Pinkney said that the team simply wants to win against New Mexico State. "It's our first game, and the only one we're concerned with right now," Pinkney said. As for his attitude toward the game on Saturday, Pinkney said, "I have noth ing to be nervous about. I’m just going to go out and play football; do what I nor mally do." Pinkney shuns superstitious pre-game rituals; instead, he prays before games. "I usually pray and ask the Lord to look over me...that I'll be able to stay safe and stay healthy." And what if the fans decide to remove the goalposts in celebration if the Gamecocks get that much-anticipated win? "Well, I'm gonna let fans be fans...if the fans choose to tear down the goal posts, I'll just be there celebrating with them," Pinkney said. After graduation, Pinkney wants to have a career in professional football. If a career in football does not suit him, then he wants to become a racecar driver. Pinkney credits his father as his source of inspiration. "[My father] inspired me a lot and helped me become a man," he said. His favorite quote is by Bob Mar ley: "I came to conquer, not to bow." "That's something I really hold close, and it’s something my mother told me," Pinkney explained. To any student wanting to play col lege football, Pinkney offers this advice. "Make sure your academics are ready for it, because trying to balance academics with football is a hard task." "When I first came out to '2001,' it was exciting," Pinkney said, describing his most memorable moment as a Game cock. "I was used to seeing it from the stands, and when I finally got the chance to come out to it, it was a big shock." Pinkney's strong leadership and love for football shows through all of his state ments. "I've wanted to go out with a bang since I was a freshman...you can't just wait until your senior year to give it your all. You've got to give it for four years, and when your senior year comes around, you just do what you normally do. And for me, that's play football.” Special to The Gamecock Cleveland Pinkney, University of South Carolina defensive lineman, says the team’s cohesion will be the difference this season. Student Ticket Distribution Get your tickets a week earlier this year! Student Distribution Schedule New Mexico State Aug. 23,24,25,28,29,30 Georgia Aug. 23,24,25,28,29,30 Sept. 5,6,7 Eastern Michigan Sept. 5,6,7,11,12,13 Mississippi State Sept. 11,12,13,18,19,20 \ Arkansas Oct. 2,3,4,9,10,11 \ Tennessee Oct. 9,10,11,23,24,25 Monday Sept. 4 Labor Day - No Classes Monday, Tuesday Oct. 16,17 Fall Break - No Classes Date Coupon Book Sales - Aug 23,24,25,28,29,30 ILOLLIER LEVEL SEC ROW SEAT 30 38 1 Aopi m im »*u ii.Y 3 ! 1 Block Seating Schedule New Mexico State & Georgia Aug. 23,24,25,28,29,30 Eastern Michigan & Mississippi State Sept. 5,6,7,11,12,13 Arkansas & Tennessee Oct. 2,3,4,9,10,11 1 /students must have your I.D. Card with you to get into the Stadium with Student Ticket. The Student Section is located in the North Section of the Stadium. Sections 21 thru 34. For more complete information about student tickets, pick up a copy of the Student Football Information Book at the Russell House lobby Information Desk. Student Tickets will be distributed at the Russell House, room 205 9am - 4pm. Students are not guaranteed a student ticket to each game, only Handicapped or disabled students can get assistance by calling the right to a ticket as long as student tickets are available. 777-6742.