The Daily Gamecock

Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Sports

Kenny McKinley

Tonight is the night of a new beginning. Few things can erase the painful memories of last year's downward spiral toward the end of the season, but that was last year. This year for the Gamecocks, it's about starting the season on the right note: with a win.

Without question, a win tonight against N.C. State would do wonders for the Gamecocks' confidence. To get the all-important first victory, USC needs a strong performance out of the offense. USC needs its wide receivers to step up this week when there is a questionable rushing game.

Confident and prepared, senior Kenny McKinley is ready to lead by example. Now in his fourth season playing, McKinley has started a total of 31 games, including the last 29. The most experienced of all the returning players, he is ready to make a statement tonight.

"I strive for playing in front of the big crowds," McKinley said. "I can't wait."

For the passing game to really take off for Carolina, confidence between the now-starting quarterback Tommy Beecher and his receivers is key. Although Carolina's quarterback situation seems to always be on the edge of uncertainty, the players have put their faith in Beecher.

"He's showing a lot of confidence now, and he's making the big throws and big plays that we all believe he can make in the game," McKinley said.

Although the Wolfpack were ranked 11th in the ACC in total defense last season, N.C. State's secondary will try to stop the Carolina pass threat. Bringing the most experience to the field against the receivers in garnet and black will be seniors J.C. Neal and Jeremy Gray. Gray, a 6-foot-2 cornerback, could possibly team up with safety Neal to make McKinley a difficult target for Beecher.

With N.C. State focusing in on stopping McKinley, the door is wide open for another Carolina receiver to have a breakout game. Starting wide receiver Moe Brown is more than ready to prove himself for the Gamecocks.

"I guess you could say I have underachieved since I've been here," Brown said. "So I'm ready to get on the upswing and show Gamecock Nation what I can do."

Brown amassed a total of 22 catches for 242 yards in his first two years. The junior receiver will have the opportunity to put an end to his less than fabulous numbers tonight. With McKinley likely to see double coverage part of the night, Brown will be running against man-to-man most of the game.

"I practice against some of the best corners in the nation," Brown said. "I'm pretty confident that I can handle anybody as far as a corner, one on one, let's go at it."

Joining McKinley and Brown in the starting receiver slot will be sophomore Dion Lecorn. The promising athlete had 27 receptions last year for 315 yards.

The Gamecocks are in dire need of a win to start the season off right, and having a strong performance out of the receivers would sure help those chances.

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