Notes: Spurrier draws big crowd for Garnet and Black game

Some 38,806 fans showed up at South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday to catch a glimpse of Steve Spurrier's new-look Gamecocks.

A national television network was even in Columbia for the "Garnet and Black" game, which traditionally draws about 10,000 fans.

"We have not done anything to earn the spotlight," Spurrier said. "Hopefully, our play will earn more nationally televised games. ... We have a good team. How good? I don't know. We should be competitive."

Spurrier, the former Florida coach coming off a disappointing stint with the NFL's Washington Redskins, took over the team in November, replacing the retired Lou Holtz.

"We were anxious to come see Mr. Spurrier," said Margaret Hester, 61, of Newberry County. "Our hopes for next season are really, really high."

South Carolina was 6-5 last season and 16-19 in its last three seasons under Holtz.

Blake Mitchell led the Black team to a 20-10 victory, completing 12 of 23 passes for 175 yards. "Blake did a lot better than he's done," Spurrier said.

Redshirt freshman Antonio Heffner was 7-for-14 for 129 yards and an interception for the Garnet. "He struggled today," Spurrier said. "Again, the quarterback situation is just as wide open as it was probably the first day."

Receiver Noah Whiteside was taken off the field on a cart after he was flattened following a catch over the middle. Spurrier said Whiteside probably dislocated his right ankle but he was being evaluated after the game.

"There's a chance he'll be back. I think he'll be back for the season," Spurrier said. "That was the worst play of the whole day."

Pittsburgh

At Monroeville, Pa., Dave Wannstedt's first spring game as Pitt's coach was notable for two sights rarely seen around Panthers football this time of the year.