Gamecocks Open Season Thursday Night in Nashville

Gamecock Marcus Lattimore makes his return from injury Thursday night in Nashville

The ninth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks will open the 2012 football season Thursday night in Music City USA, as they face SEC East rival Vanderbilt in a nationally-televised contest.  Carolina enters the game with its highest beginning rank in school history.  Eyes will be on the play of junior tailback Marcus Lattimore, who is returning following an injury that sidelined him following last season’s game with Kentucky.  Lattimore is on the short-list for this season’s Heisman Trophy, if he’s able to return to the level of play seen before his injury.  Kick-off for the ESPN game is 7:01 PM at Vanderbilt Stadium.