Culliver won't make trip

COLUMBIA -- Defensive head coach Ellis Johnson came to suspended free safety Chris Culliver's defense Thursday afternoon.

Culliver injured his surgically repaired left shoulder just before the Tennessee game, but told USC coaches he could play.

He struggled with angles and tackling in the game, trying to protect the shoulder. Johnson said the coaching staff should've noticed something was awry.

Fans ripped Culliver and his attitude, not knowing about his shoulder ailment.

Then Monday, Culliver threatened to walk out of practice if his effort level was questioned by the coaches.

It was, and he walked out.

As he was leaving, coaches told Culliver, who was going to practice mostly at cornerback this week, that if he left practice, he wouldn't play this week.

Tuesday, coach Steve Spurrier announced Culliver wouldn't make the trip to Arkansas.

Even so, on Thursday, Johnson defended the junior.

"He didn't handle it well, but I'm tired of all the Chris Culliver bashing," Johnson said. "We've got bigger problems than that. The kid has played 647 snaps for us. The only guy that's played more for us is (All-SEC linebacker Eric) Norwood. He's played damn well.

"He needs to take his medicine, because he didn't handle it the right way, but we don't need to get into Chris Culliver bashing."

Scouting the Hogs

Arkansas' Bobby Petrino is worried that USC defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward could affect Saturday's game.

That thought made Ward laugh. Ward spent last season as an assistant on Petrino's staff.

"I don't know why he'd be somewhat scared of me being on this side," Ward said. "I never sat in any offensive meetings. I just know what kind of mentality he's got. As far as what I know about the offense, it'll be strictly what we know from film."

Even if the NFL didn't work out for Petrino, he's always had the reputation as a successful college coach.

Like Spurrier, Petrino built his reputation with a wide-open offense.

"He's probably the smartest offensive-minded head coach I've ever been around," Ward said. "Because he understands defense. He likes to attack what you do best. He's a big guy about throwing the ball into the blitz. He does a great job. He's very discipline-oriented with his players. They'll be well coached."

Holloman's rise

The Gamecocks will again start freshman DeVonte Holloman at strong safety and senior Darian Stewart at spur.

Holloman's development has allowed for the switch.

"He's very mature. Nothing fazes him," said assistant coach Shane Beamer, who coaches the strong safeties and spurs. "Never once have I thought the situation was too big for him. He's done well, real well."

Holloman's safety spot is considered one of the more difficult positions to master in Johnson's 4-2-5 defense.

The starting secondary will consist of two sophomores and two true freshmen. Sophomore Akeem Auguste will start at free safety, in Culliver's place. Sophomore C.C. Whitlock will start for Auguste at that corner spot. Freshman Stephon Gilmore, Holloman's high school teammate, will start again at the other corner.

Without Cliff

Saturday will be USC's first full game without defensive end Cliff Matthews. Matthews, who has five sacks, is likely out until the Nov. 28 Clemson game with a dislocated left shoulder.

Devin Taylor will start for Matthews. Clifton Geathers will start at the opposite end.

"We've got some other guys that can get to the quarterback," Johnson said. "But when you're playing a game of that type, you'd sure like to have one of your best defensive ends."