Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Game 1 NEW MEXICO STATE 7 p.m., Aug. 31 Columbia, S.C. .BY KYLE ALMOND THE GAMECOCK New Mexico State is a familiar opponent for USC, and a favorite to most Gamecock fans. After all, Carolina snapped a 21-game los ing streak two years ago to the Aggies with a 31-0 win at Williams Brice Stadium. The goalposts were torn down after that game by ecstatic USC students, but that was probably the first and last time anyone has celebrated so hard after beating New Mexico State. The Aggies don’t get too much exposure play ing in Las Cruces, N.M., and their record over the past five years (19 37) has been less than stellar. But the team is determined to make their way into the spotlight this year by winning the Sun Belt Conference and putting a scare into top teams on the schedule, such as USC and Georgia. “I think we will come out this year more moti vated than ever,” wide receiver E J. Winston said. “We were excited about the spring and summer workouts. We just want to show people what we’ve got.” The Aggies lost their entire starting offensive backfield, and there are still no settled starters at either the quarterback or run ning back positions. Buck Pierce and Paul Dombrowski will try to fill in for the departed K.C. Enzminger, and the coaching staff says it will play both of them. Pierce will get the start against USC on Saturday. Tailback Walter Taylor will get the start Saturday as well, but he could be spelled by Tony Bostic and Eric Higgins. At least the offensive line is huge. It averages 340 pounds a man. The defense improved a lot last season, but the Aggies will have to start almost from scratch this sea son, as only four starters return. Strong safety Siddeeq Shabazz, an all-conference player, leads an inexperienced group along with ♦ AGGIES, SEE PAGE 11 ANEASY E^f-D ! C7 9 ' * "Buy one visit • ' ^ ., ! 'get second visit' , a month, free. , exp. 10/31/02 l , atp. 10/31/02 l Only 3 miles from campus With package, receive 20% off lotion! Where Carolina shops for * Greek Monogramming • Gamecock and Palmetto Jewelry fterlinq Silver and Unique Gift Monday- Saturday 10am- 6pm 1101E Harden St. (in the Bazaar) 803-252-2121 ,»c o. - o.» t r» 150C Harbison Bivd. (by Publix) 803-749-6024 Game 2 VIRGINIA 7:30 p.m., Sept. 7 Charlottesville, Va. BY CHRIS fOY THE GAMECOCK After a mediocre 5-7 season last year, the Virginia Cavaliers had the opportu nity to make a return from obscurity when it opened the 2002 NCAA football season against Colorado State on Thursday night. Unfortunately, their cause was lost when reserve freshman quarterback Marques Hagans fumbled on Colorado State’s 1-yard line with 10 seconds remaining. A touch 1 , down would have won the game. Now, the Cavaliers (0-1) look to rebound from their early setback and finish the season above .500. They’ll be under the direction of second-year head coach A1 Groh, who, after a stint with the New York Jets, wishes to make his mark as a head coach on the collegiate level. After finishing eighth in the ACC last ♦ CAVALIERS, SEE PAGE 10 rm # lotos RESTAURANT Authentic Japanese & Thai Cuisine with Large Sushi Ber Lunch Buffet Sun-Fri 11 am-2 pm (includes iced tea) i'25% OFF i a Menu item for students & , . . 1 a a senior adults JlDp£$? l ' 'tO 1 1 Valid on Sushi & Menu Items. Expire* 9/3/02 | ,a ,.i ,aa ^ ,a i * Not vaiW for buffet. One coupon psr ordsr. | TxCSlCiU^flm 1 Restriction* apply I ■ . — — — m a a a a a m m m m v■ Purchase tickets here for Thai Live Music 9pm Sept. 10