Spurrier cancels Monday’s bowl practice

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)—South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier gave his players an early holiday gift.

Spurrier canceled the team’s practice Monday and sent them home for a few days off. The Gamecocks have been preparing for the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on New Year’s Day against Iowa.

South Carolina began postseason workouts Dec. 13.

After the break, the team will assemble in Tampa on Dec. 26, then workout there the next day at Jefferson High. That’s the alma mater of Gamecock starting quarterback Stephen Garcia.