Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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USC sports take fans on emotional ride BY JOEL WALLACE THE GAMECOCK USC sports fans don’t need to wait until the State Fair in October to experience the ups and downs of a roller coaster ride; they’re used to it by now. The Gamecock football team (2 1) has experienced a full range of emotions in just three games this season. USC head coach Lou Holtz led his team to a 14-7 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, but some fans showed their displeasure with the team’s performance by booing during a game in which the Gamecocks were heavily fa vored. Holtz was so upset with his team’s performance he questioned whether they should even bother showing up the next week against the Virginia Cavaliers. “I don’t think we have a chance against Virginia,” Holtz said. “We might as well fold it up and take the week off, get some sleep. We are a long way from where we need to be.” Holtz and the USC faithful quickly had reason to rejoice when the Gamecocks followed up their lackluster performance with a dominating 31-7 win over then 15th-ranked Virginia. USC took full advantage of quarterback Matt Schaub’s absence, intercepting backup Anthony Martinez twice and shutting down the Cavalier rushing attack, which totaled only 116 yards. The Virginia game also marked the coming out party for Gamecock running back Daccus Turman, who had 18 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown. The Gamecocks then headed into Athens to take on the then No. 8 Georgia Bulldogs carrying a 2-0 record and a top-25 ranking. The Bulldogs, who hadn’t scored an of fensive touchdown against the Gamecocks in three years, showed why they are the defending SEC champions in a 31-7 whipping of USC. The Gamecocks threw three interceptions and failed to get into the end zone until late in the fourth quarter when freshman running back Demetris Summers took a pass from Bennett Swygert 37 yards for a score. The Gamecocks hope to resume its winning ways in the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday against the University of Alabama Birmingham at 7 p.m. The USC volleyball team (4-5) has had its share of ups and downs this year as well. While currently below .500, the Gamecocks do have something to brag about. They boast upset victories over two Top 25 teams. The Gamecocks beat then 17th ranked UNC at the Carolina Classic and proceeded to beat 15th ♦ SPORTS, SEE PAGE 10 PHOTO BY JOHNNY HAYNES/THE GAMECOCK Two USC defensive linemen pull down UGA quarterback David Greene In the Gamecocks’ 31-7 loss on Saturday. www.cloudninecolumbia.com 803*256*0043 giftbaskets gourmet lotions V wines coffee In the Vista 1219 Lincoln Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201