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Gamecock Greats: Ryan Brewer \Storied USC running back’s legacy exemplified by Outback Bowl wins Rlex Riley ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Tom Price, Gamecock historian, wrote in his book “Tales from the Gamecock Roost”: “Gamecocks are known for their courage in battle and willingness to fight to »-Ltthe death.” $7 If that statement holds true, Ryan Brewer was destined to wear garnet and black. Brewer, a native of Troy, Ohio, arrived at Carolina with a list of credentials that included being tabbed as Mr. Football for the state of Ohio. But his 5-foot-10-inch, 210-pound frame didn’t impress the home state, nor did it impress his favorite school, Notre Dame. Brewer didn’t get a shot with the Fighting Ifish; instead he got a chance to play with one of their legendary leaders. “It was all about coach Holtz,” Brewer said. “I was a big Notre -Dame fan. When I heard he was Clc "'coming here, I didn’t know much about South Carolina living in Ohio. I decided to go somewhere where someone wants me.” Brewers first season was less than sparkling, as USC failed to win a single contest in the infamous 21 -loss stretch. Then came 2000 — and the biggest turnaround in SEC history. The Gamecocks got back on track while Brewer quietly helped USC along. The running game of Derek Watson and Andrew Pinnock dominated the ground, v, while Brian Scott and Jermale ~velly took hold of the air attack. Brewer had nice games of more than 50 yards on the ground and through the air but nothing for the “highlight reel.” Then Tennessee came calling. With the game tied 7-7, quarterback Phil Petty hit Brewer for a 78-yard touchdown pass that would give USC the lead late in the third. Despite the heroics of the 15 th longest passing play in USC history, the Gamecocks fell to the Vols and ended the season with a 7-4 record and trip to the Outback Bowl to face Ohio State. Things looked bleak for the Gamecocks, as Watson was suspended from the game for team policy violations, leaving the running game without an experienced back. Holtz had to implement a new running back alongside Pinnock’s bruising power. Brewer stepped up for the job, not only to run the ball, but to prove to his home state they had missed an opportunity. The rest might as well be legend in USC football lore. Brewer took hold of the ground game, rushing for 106 yards and two scores, while catching three passes for 92 yards and another score, as USC cruised past the Buckeyes, 24-7. “The game meant a lot to me playing Ohio State,” Brewer said. “It also gave me a chance to play running back. I got a bunch of touches on the ball, and I could actually show what I could do. I figured I might as well take advantage of it. It was exciting being in that limelight for a little bit, against a team I knew I had to prove something to.” The man considered “undersized” by his home state scampered his way to 219 yards and Outback Bowl MVP honors. Not only did he outplay the Buckeyes, but after being grabbed by the facemask in the fourth J quarter, Brewer proceeded to flip / a Buckeye player over his head / after reaching the end zone. jj Brewer shined once again in jJJ 2002, as he made an acrobatic SB snag from Georgia defensive II back Bruce Thorton. Thorton H had been beaten the year H before in Athens, when Scott Mr grabbed a 16-yard m touchdown pass from Petty / to upset the Bulldogs at wSjjgm home, 14-9. / This time around, Brewer latched on to a / 7 £ ,? 23-yard pass from Corey rK: Jenkins to pull Carolina within striking !■ distance, 13-7. A late game fumble ended a would-be comeback but left Brewer with 106 yards receiving. GRCRTS • C8 _ n. f " ” Ton gam" "!:: ! r v ■ —1 .1 ! (?> i I 3 8 ! LutheranXamfgis Ministry A ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the students, faculty and staff of USC. 4R1 n Hj pp| fe 32> flW ■ IHpPP BwHgiwWWWWI SI ■ fl 1B K I f%] I |Nl S| Bflfclfl . •"Bu, We ^^^BFPRMPHVTWPWPinR^PViPPMI^I^ ^BHHlMmHHEJHlHBHHHHUMBHiHMinMV 1 - 1,1 r Where to find us: 728 Pickens St. (803) 7994993 Pastor Frank W. Anderson ^- (803)7304075_ <4 t 4 4 J •: • 4 F v ^university Ambassador' Information Sessions Sept. 7th & 13th at 6 p.m. McKissick Museum | Questions? Call 777-0169