Gamecocks RB Maddox motivated to play the Tigers

COLUMBIA -- There's just something about this time of year that allows for the re-emergence of South Carolina running back Brian Maddox. Maybe it's the orange that brings it out in him?

A year ago, Maddox ran four times for 25 yards and had two catches for 11 yards against Clemson. Might not seem like a lot, but he hadn't received any carries in the six games leading up to the rivalry game.

"I definitely was fired up," said Maddox, a junior from Anderson. "It was in Death Valley. It was right there at home, basically. I had a lot of people from home, people I went to high school with and family and friends."

Raised in the Upstate, Maddox was always around orange. He said Clemson didn't offer him a scholarship until after USC had made its offer, so he didn't really consider being a Tiger.

"It's a big deal," Maddox said of the game. "My whole neighborhood consists of living around Clemson fans."

Two weeks ago, after falling behind Kenny Miles on the depth chart for most of the season, Maddox broke out to rush for 82 yards (one touchdown) on 17 carries against No. 1 Florida.

Maddox had gotten only 25 carries in the seven games before the Gators.

"I hope it carries over to this game this week," Maddox said. "I just keep working hard."

Status quo staff?

Echoing something he said Tuesday night on his call-in show, USC coach Steve Spurrier said he wants his entire coaching staff back next season.

"I think they all know that," Spurrier said. "We've got an excellent group of coaches and an excellent group of players. There's absolutely no problem with team unity and things like that. Yeah, we hope all of our coaches will be back."

The past two offseasons had been characterized by a lot of turnover, including a few firings.

Spurrier made note that this staff is doing well on the recruiting trail, with several top-line prospects still making their decisions. That includes Byrnes running back Marcus Lattimore, who has USC among his final five schools. He'll announce in February, just before National Signing Day.

Giving anything away

Spurrier was asked Wednesday if the Gamecocks plan to kick to Clemson speedsters C.J. Spiller or Jacoby Ford. That made him bristle a bit.

"We can't give away our game plan," Spurrier said. "You guys ask all these questions inquiring about our game plan -- what formations, what trick plays we're going to use. We can't answer those. We'll tell you after the game what we planned to do."

Special teams coach Shane Beamer said Spiller is faster than any player USC has seen this season in the return game, including Florida's Brandon James.

Extra points

Spurrier said reserve QB Reid McCollum (illness) returned to practice Wednesday. ... Ellis Johnson said DT Nate Pepper (knee) has been limited some this week, but he should be fine for Saturday's game. The Gamecocks are expected to start the same lineup as the Oct. 24 Vanderbilt win.