Spurrier, Gamecocks arrive in Shreveport for Independence Bowl

Tuesday was travel time for South Carolina’s football team in prep for Saturday’s Independence Bowl against Miami, the first of 12 bowl games involving the SEC this season.

The Gamecocks will practice on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 11:30 a.m. at nearby Loyola Prep. Friday afternoon’s final walk-through is not open to the public.

Spurrier spoke to the media briefly at the hotel before a team dinner on Tuesday:

Steve Spurrier and his team arrive at South Carolina’s team hotel. pic.twitter.com/yACMnSvzfe

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) December 23, 2014

Spurrier on low tix sales: “We were 11-2 last year, I don’t know if you’ve heard. Now we’re 6-6. They used to play for NCs. They’re 6-6.”

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) December 23, 2014

Spurrier asks the South Florida reporters if they want to interview his wife Jerri, a Fort Lauderdale native. He is the best.

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) December 23, 2014

Earlier in the afternoon, news broke that junior wide receiver Shaq Roland quit the team after missing a meeting on Sunday and refusing to practice Monday and Tuesday. Spurrier confirmed Roland’s exit:

Coach Spurrier confirms to media that Shaq Roland is no longer with the team. “We wish him the best.” #Gamecocks

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 23, 2014

And a few player tweets:

Howdy Shreveport! The view from @PerryOrth10 & I’s room. #IndependenceBowl pic.twitter.com/g6CKzHVISZ

— Dylan Thompson (@DT_ONE_SEVEN) December 23, 2014

Just touchdown in Louisiana! #BowlGame

— Abu Lamin (@Im_SelfMade26) December 23, 2014

Louisiana we here

— IG Mike28Davis (@Mike28davis) December 23, 2014