Gamecocks to open with Southern Miss next year

COLUMBIA — South Carolina has yet to play a home football game, yet plans are shaping up for its future schedules.

The school announced Wednesday that the Gamecocks would open the 2010 season against Southern Miss on Sept. 2, a Thursday night game to be telecast by ESPN.

The Golden Eagles replace North Carolina, which had been scheduled for a Sept. 18 game. The Tar Heels will now play in Columbia in 2013 to begin that season.

South Carolina’s original opener for next season against Troy has been moved to Nov. 20. Furman, which was to play at South Carolina on Oct. 2 next year, will take North Carolina’s place on the schedule and play the Gamecocks on Sept. 18.

Florida Atlantic visits South Carolina on Saturday.