South Carolina spring practice opens Thursday

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina's football team is set to begin spring practices, although they will take the field just once before heading off for spring break.

The Gamecocks will practice Thursday before taking nearly two weeks off for spring break. The second practice of the spring isn't scheduled until March 16.

South Carolina returns 17 starters from a team that went 7-6 last year, finishing with a disappointing 20-7 loss to Connecticut in the PapaJohns.com bowl.

The Gamecocks will hold two scrimmages before the April 10 Garnet and Black game, which will be played at Williams-Brice Stadium. -- Associated Press