Connect with us

South-Carolina

Jumbo Package: South Carolina injury report, return of Shula, coaches speak on Vandy loss

Published

on

Jumbo Package: South Carolina injury report, return of Shula, coaches speak on Vandy loss


Happy Thursday, everyone. The injury report was published ahead of South Carolina, and looks like this:

Yhonzae Pierre, LB — Out

Kendrick Law, WR — Questionable

Kobe Prentice, WR — Questionable

Not sure what happened with Pierre, but he posted a picture of himself in a hospital room yesterday calling it a “minor setback.”

Advertisement

Saturday will mark Mike Shula’s return to The Capstone.

Through USC’s media relations staff, Shula declined an interview request ahead of Saturday’s game. Speaking Wednesday on an SEC teleconference, Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer praised Shula’s contributions to his staff.

“Low ego, humble, hardworking,” Beamer said. “Everyone in the building thinks the world of him. He’s been awesome. Has helped us so much on and off the field.”

Shula largely works with the South Carolina quarterbacks. He’s most familiar with that position, having played it himself at Alabama, starting from 1984-1986.

Mike’s QB is concerning for Maurice Linguist, and he should be after what the last mobile QB did to the defense.

I think anytime you see a dynamic quarterback who can run and throw, it’s always on our minds because you have the play and then the extended play, which dual-threat quarterbacks can create,” Linguist said. “Plays that extend the 2.5 seconds of a normal play and the 2.5-3 seconds of the extended play. How we handle the contain of the dropback situations of the quarterback, then if and when he does get out, how we’re handling the disciple coverage on the backend. Plastering or man if we’re in zone, getting our eyes in the right place and making sure they don’t create explosives off extended plays.”

Vanderbilt and the elimination of NLI were the hot topics on “Hey, Coach!”

Advertisement

You know, a lot of times, the information comes out and then our compliance office comes in and meets with us. It doesn’t effect anything, literally, today or tomorrow,” DeBoer said on the “Hey Coach” show Wednesday. “But I think a lot of it will still be still as we’ve done in the past. There will be other ways to bind prospects who sign with Alabama and vice versa. So I don’t see it being something, at least with the tweaks they are going to make — there’s an SEC agreement, there’s other things that we have that guys can sign that will be binding.”

“Well, besides the execution? That’s what it always comes down to, right? Is execution,” he said. “That goes not just on the players, but it’s everyone. All the execution.

“I felt like we had a good plan. We had a plan within the plan when they attack you a different way when — that’s the case, offense, defense. You have Plan A. You have the tweaks, which would be Plan B. To me, that’s all part of the game plan. Something you might have called more or less than what you originally thought going in.

“I thought our staff did a nice job. There’s always things you look back on, like, oh, we could have done this a little bit more earlier. And the other thing is, I think you also got to make sure you don’t just overreact. Sometimes you need to see that look again against the defensive call or the offensive call that we’re running, and the guys get another rep at it. Because it is something new or different that we hadn’t seen on film. Or different guys working together.

“There’s a reason, a lot of times, for execution not being at the level. But that’s full ownership on all of us. When I say that, it’s not about the players. It’s about all of us, including myself.”

The P4P deals will be the binding force going forward, not the NLI. They need to come with negotiable buyouts just like coaching contracts. As far as DeBoer’s comments on execution, this aligns with what I’ve said about coaching for some time. Coaching happens 12 months a year, and determines whether the players can do the job you want them to do on Saturdays. Regardless of the film breakdowns you may have seen criticizing scheme, the fact is that on many of those third down conversions, a tackle or play on the ball was there to be made and wasn’t. In many cases it appeared to be a matter of giving up leverage or taking poor angles.

As Kalen said, that doesn’t mean that the players aren’t good enough or just decided that winning wasn’t worth the effort. It means they have work to do with their coaches to get better in those areas. Whether the coaches are able to get through to them will tell us plenty about this staff.

Advertisement

Last, Coach Kap was asked about the critical sack/fumble.

“The play before, we had a good pocket, a good catch, and we were getting ready to go (up) tempo,” Kapilovic said Wednesday. “One of their kids came by and kind of gave an elbow to our quarterback, so one of our O-linemen runs over there, then another runs over there, and we’re trying to go tempo. So then we’re trying to get lined up to go fast, and (Pritchett) takes a bad set and gets beat.”

It was the Commodores’ biggest defensive play of the game, as it recaptured momentum as the Crimson Tide lost a chance to take its first lead. Vanderbilt drove for a what proved to be the game-winning touchdown off the turnover, to open a 40-28 lead.

“We’ve got to understand the situation,” Kapilovic added. “Yes we want to protect our quarterback. He’s a big boy. Nothing crazy happened. Let’s get lined up and play the next play.”

So we were too engaged in extracurricular nonsense to make the next play. Sounds like another coaching point that is being delivered. Hopefully it is received.

That’s about it for now. Have a great day.

Advertisement

Roll Tide.



Source link

South-Carolina

A Stronger Rail Network Is a Win for South Carolina’s Economy – FITSNews

Published

on

A Stronger Rail Network Is a Win for South Carolina’s Economy – FITSNews


“The combined rail system would offer the reliability our business community has been asking for…”


by NATHAN BALLENTINE

***

For as long as I’ve served in the South Carolina House, I’ve believed that strong infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy. Whether talking about roads, bridges, broadband, or freight mobility, our ability to efficiently move people and goods determines how competitive our state will be in the decades ahead. South Carolina continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the country, and with that growth comes a responsibility to ensure our logistics network can meet the demands of modern commerce.

Advertisement

That is why the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) deserves thoughtful consideration, not just at the national level, but here at home. South Carolina’s economic success is directly tied to reliable freight transportation. From advanced manufacturing in the Upstate, to the distribution and warehousing centers in the Midlands, to the countless businesses that depend on steady supply chains, every region of our state relies on a freight system that works smoothly and predictably.

When freight rail is fragmented across multiple networks, bottlenecks and delays become far more common. Businesses, especially those operating with tight production schedules and narrow delivery windows, feel the impacts immediately. A delayed railcar can throw off inventory planning, disrupt operations, and create ripple effects that stretch across an entire supply chain. These unpredictable slowdowns can be enormously costly for the companies that keep South Carolina’s economy moving.

***

The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger aims to address many of these longstanding challenges. By creating a unified network connecting more than 50,000 miles of track and linking 43 states with over 100 ports nationwide, the combined rail system would offer something our business community has been asking for: reliability. Studies indicate the merger could generate approximately $1 billion in annual cost savings and improve freight-car velocity by around 10 percent. These aren’t abstract figures, they reflect tangible improvements that would strengthen operations for employers, distributors, retailers, and consumers alike.

***

“Economic development teams would also have an even stronger pitch when attracting new employers to South Carolina…”

***

A more dependable rail network means companies can plan with greater precision, suppliers can manage logistics with fewer surprises, and transportation partners can commit to schedules with increased confidence. Economic development teams would also have an even stronger pitch when attracting new employers to South Carolina: not just a skilled workforce and business-friendly climate, but a transportation network capable of supporting long-term growth.

Improved rail performance also benefits South Carolina’s infrastructure more broadly. Rail is one of the most efficient ways to move goods long distances. Every shipment that travels by rail instead of truck reduces congestion on our highways, lowers fuel costs, and decreases wear and tear on roads that taxpayers ultimately fund. Better rail capacity complements, rather than replaces, our ongoing efforts to invest in roads and bridges across the state. It allows us to stretch transportation dollars further and focus on the improvements most needed in fast-growing communities.

Advertisement

Another important factor is competitiveness. States across the Southeast are aggressively investing in logistics infrastructure to position themselves as national leaders in manufacturing and distribution. If South Carolina wants to stay ahead, and continue attracting companies that create stable, high-quality jobs, we must support improvements that strengthen the reliability and efficiency of our freight network. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger presents an opportunity to do just that.

***

RELATED | SOURCES: S.C. LAWMAKERS THREATEN SUPREME COURT

***

As someone who has spent nearly two decades advocating for responsible, forward-looking growth in our state, I believe that modernizing our freight system is not just a transportation issue, it is an economic necessity. Ensuring that goods can move quickly, safely, and predictably is fundamental to the success of our businesses and the financial well-being of South Carolina families.

Federal regulators will ultimately determine the path forward, and their review should be thorough and transparent. But from where I sit, the potential benefits to our state are clear. A more integrated, efficient rail system will help South Carolina businesses compete, help consumers by keeping costs lower, and help our state maintain the strong economic momentum we’ve built over the past decade.

A stronger rail network means a stronger South Carolina, and that is a future we should fully support.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Nathan Ballentine (Provided)

Nathan Ballentine represents the citizens of House District 71 in the S.C. General Assembly.

***

Advertisement

WANNA SOUND OFF?

Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to address proactively? We have an open microphone policy! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.



Source link

Continue Reading

South-Carolina

LIVE: SC AG Alan Wilson, state, national leaders hold press conference on statewide drug busts

Published

on

LIVE: SC AG Alan Wilson, state, national leaders hold press conference on statewide drug busts


Statehouse Reporter Mary Green will have more on this tonight.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina Attorney General and other officials will be holding a press conference Friday at 9:30 a.m. to talk about statewide drug busts.

Wilson is set to be joined by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel, representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, as well as several local sheriffs and other law enforcement partners.

Watch the full press conference in the video above.

Advertisement

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.



Source link

Continue Reading

South-Carolina

2026 Football Schedule Unveiled

Published

on

2026 Football Schedule Unveiled


The University of South Carolina’s 2026 football schedule has been unveiled, it was announced tonight on the SEC Network.

The Gamecocks’ 2026 schedule features nine regular-season SEC contests, with five games at home and four on the road. The schedule also includes non-conference games versus Kent State and Towson as part of the seven-game home slate, and a non-conference road contest at Clemson.

After opening the season with three-consecutive home games for the first time since 2014, the Gamecocks will alternate home and road contests throughout the remainder of the schedule. The 2026 schedule features just one open date which will come on week 7 (October 17).

As announced on Monday, the Gamecocks will open the season on Sept. 5 by hosting Kent State. Carolina drubbed the Golden Flashes in its only previous encounter, a 77-14 decision in 1995. Kent State finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 mark overall and a 4-4 record in the Mid-American Conference.

Advertisement

Week 2 will see the Towson Tigers make their first trip to Williams-Brice Stadium. The Tigers compete in the FCS Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and posted a 6-6 record in 2025 under head coach Pete Shinnick.

The Gamecocks begin their nine-game SEC gauntlet on Sept. 19 when Mississippi State visits Columbia. Carolina has won eight of the last nine meeting with the Bulldogs including a 37-30 win in 2023, the only contest played between the two schools since 2016. The Gamecocks lead the all-time series by a 10-7 margin. Mississippi State is one of seven teams on Carolina’s 2026 schedule that is playing in a post-season game this year.

The Gamecocks first road trip of the 2026 season takes them to Tuscaloosa on Sept. 26 for a date with the Alabama Crimson Tide, one of four teams on South Carolina’s 2026 slate that will appear in this year’s College Football Playoffs. It will mark the third-consecutive season that Carolina and Alabama have squared off, with the Tide narrowly winning the previous two – 27-25 in Tuscaloosa in 2024 and 29-22 in Columbia in 2025.

The Gamecocks and Kentucky Wildcats will meet in Columbia on Oct. 3. The teams met in Williams-Brice Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025, with Carolina prevailing by a 35-13 score, its fourth-straight win in a series they lead 22-14-1.

Carolina wraps up the first half of the season at Florida on Oct. 10. The Gamecocks and Gators met every year on the gridiron from 1992-2023 but have not played in either of the last two seasons. Florida holds a commanding 31-10-3 lead in the all-time series including a 17-2 advantage when playing in The Swamp. Carolina’s last win in Gainesville came in overtime the 2014 season.

Advertisement

After an open date on Oct. 17, the Gamecocks will return to action at home on Oct. 24 against the Tennessee Volunteers. Like Florida, the Gamecocks and Vols met every year from 1992-2023 but have not played in either of the last two seasons. Tennessee leads the all-time series by a 29-13-2 count including a narrow 10-8-2 advantage when the game has been played in Columbia.

The Gamecocks will spend Halloween in Norman playing the Oklahoma Sooners. The teams had never met prior to OU joining the SEC but have played each of the past two seasons with each team winning on the others’ home field.

The Bonham Trophy will be at stake on Nov. 7 when Texas A&M visits Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks and Aggies have met every year since A&M joined the SEC in 2014. The Aggies hold a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series, but the Gamecocks have won each of the last two meetings in Columbia.

The Gamecocks will travel to Fayetteville, Ark. for just the second time since 2013 when they tangle with the Arkansas Razorbacks on Nov. 14. South Carolina has won three of the last four games with the Hogs, but Arkansas clings to a 14-10 advantage in the all-time series.

The second-longest running series in school history behind only Carolina-Clemson, the Carolina-Georgia rivalry gets renewed on Nov. 21 when the Bulldogs make their way to Columbia from Athens. Georgia has won 55 of the previous 76 meetings between the flagship schools from neighboring states, with the Gamecocks last win coming in 2019.

Advertisement

The 2026 regular season comes to an end on Nov. 28 when the Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers meet in the annual Palmetto Bowl. The 2026 meeting will take place in the Upstate, where the Gamecocks have won each of their last two visits.

SEASON TICKETS
Whether you’ve been attending games for years or want to experience the magic for the first time, it’s not too early to secure your season tickets for the 2026 season. Season tickets are available for as low as $65 per game with a 10-month payment plan option available. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets for the first time, can place a season ticket deposit today for only $50 plus fees or fill out our season ticket interest form to receive more information. Current season ticket holders will receive information soon on how to renew their tickets for the 2026 season and can contact their Gamecock Club Account Representative today to enroll in the 10-month payment plan. For more information on ticket options for the 2026 season, visit 2026 Football Hub.

2026 SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 5                  vs Kent State
Sept. 12                 vs Towson
Sept. 19                 vs Mississippi State*
Sept. 26                at Alabama*
Oct. 3                    vs Kentucky*
Oct. 10                  at Florida*
Oct. 17                  OPEN DATE
Oct. 24                 vs Tennessee*
Oct. 31                  at Oklahoma*
Nov. 7                   vs Texas A&M*
Nov. 14                 at Arkansas*
Nov. 21                 vs Georgia*
Nov. 28                at Clemson

*-SEC game





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending