O'Brien aware of Gamecocks' woes

The suspension of end Clifton Geathers could leave South Carolina without two key players on the defensive line when the Gamecocks visit N.C. State on Sept. 3 for the season opener.

Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien admits he is keeping tabs on the Gamecocks' personnel even though the game is more than a week away.

Geathers was arrested for resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness following an incident early Sunday morning, according to The (Columbia) State Newspaper.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier suspended Geathers indefinitely, until he ascertains that all the facts of the matter have come in. Defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye already is serving a three-game suspension stemming from an arrest for marijuana possession, The State reported.

O'Brien said Sunday night that his staff reads articles about N.C. State's opponents when possible. He said he was aware of one South Carolina being suspended.

But if he thinks it gives the Wolfpack a better chance of winning, he's not letting on.

"I do know, I've read that they say it's the best team they've ever had," O'Brien said. "So we'd better be ready to go."

Ken Tysiac