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Holbrook Presser Recap: Clemson

Chad Holbrook held his weekly press conference on Thursday previewing the series against Clemson. Here is a recap of what he said:

Certainly an exciting time for our players and fans. Very fortunate to be involved in something like this. Rare to have sold-out parks and passionate fans. Not the norm around the country. Our players come to South Carolina to be a part of this. Should have good energy in all three ballparks this weekend.

Clemson has some good hitters. Friday night starter Charlie Barnes can beat anybody. It looks to be an evenly matched series.

I've liked our team since August. Great to see how we have started the season. Played pretty darned well. But only nine games. Great challenge ahead of us. This is a great rivalry. Looking forward to getting it started.

Clemson head coach Monte Lee was a USC assistant in the 2000s before taking the College of Charleston job. So, they know each other well.

This is the first USC-Clemson series for a lot of Gamecock players. Depth of our team is one of our strengths.

What about the Gamecock players not from SC? They understand the rivalry. Many came to USC-Clemson games during recruiting. They know it's a big series. They relish being a part of the rivalry.

Clemson is balanced offensive team. We will have to keep them at bay. Starts with pitching and defense. Tigers batting .324 as a team and have scored 65 runs in seven games.

Schmidt brothers pitching against each other? Not happening in this series, but would be good for fans and the media. However, probably not good for Schmidts and their family.

Is Clemson series a measuring stick? In some ways, yes. But still early in the season. USC was pummeled by Clemson, 19-6, in 2010 and won national title four months later. Used that loss as motivation to get better.

Will be different with no Jack Leggett in the dugout for Clemson. This is the first time since 1993 that neither Jack Leggett or Ray Tanner will be in the dugout for their respective teams.

This rivalry is built on respect. Both teams want to win and that makes for great theatre.



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