East Carolina has won the past three times it has played in Columbia; beating the Gamecocks 56-42 in 1994, 23-7 in 1996 and 21-3 in 1999. The Pirates have won three of the past five.

     Still, USC holds an 11-5 edge in the series, including the 56-37 season-opening victory in Charlotte a year ago.

    Also:

    --- USC is going for its sixth straight win.  Four times the Gamecocks have won six in a  row; 1987, 1988, 2000-01 and 2006-07. In 1958-59 USC put together a seven-game winning streak and in 1984 they won nine straight before an ill-fated trip to Anapolis, Md.

     --- Steve Spurrier is seeking his 199th college victory. Only two active coaches have won 200-plus games: Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech and Mack Brown of Texas.

     ---  Spurrier seeks to stay unbeaten against non-BCS competition. He's 44-0.

     ---  Spurrier is just nine wins away from becoming USC's all-time winningest coach.  Spurrier is 56-35 at USC. Rex Enight won 64 games as a Gamecock -- and lost 69.

        South Carolina is a 21 1/2 point favorite against East Carolina. After Thursday's practice, Spurrier said quarterback Connor Shaw is "iffy" as a starter. Shaw did throw during  the session. Spurrier said Wednesday he expected his quarterback to play.

       Brandon Shell has been moved to right tackle with Mike Matulis taking over the left side. Spurrier said he expects freshman wide receiver Shaq Roland to play. Roland did not get onto the field last week.

     Spurrier also sai he hopes to play "seven or eight" offensive linemen.