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	Monday, September 4 Holtz looks for answer to 'The Chicken Curse'
	By Pat Forde Special to ESPN.com South Carolina Gamecocks 1999 record: 0-11 (0-8 SEC) Coach: Lou Holtz Returning starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense) Outlook The jaded oldtime observers in the Palmetto State call it "The Chicken Curse." It is the supernatural aura of cursed luck that clings to the South Carolina Gamecock football program -- and after last year, Holtz himself must believe it is real. A Biblical plague of injuries and towering offensive ineptitude resulted in a winless season -- and a 20-game overall losing streak, longest in the nation. The Gamecocks scored eight touchdowns all year -- splurging for three of them in the season finale. What could be the staunchest fan base in America, given the annual meager returns, will be treated to a radically revamped offense this year. Holtz, the old smashmouther, is going to a spread attack that will feature footballs flying and an emphasis on the shotgun formation. Son Skip will call the plays. Quarterback Phil Petty gets first call on the starting job -- despite throwing just a single touchdown in 146 attempts last year, compared to seven interceptions. There are a couple of decent receivers and a corps of experienced running backs, and goodness knows the lineman have seen game action. Sixteen played last year, as injuries mowed down one after another. The defense, bless its overworked soul, is anchored by senior tackles Cecil Caldwell and Cleveland Pinkney. The good news is that Holtz excels at gallows humor. He might need to steal a page from his old Arkansas playbook, when he began his TV show the day after one galling defeat by saying, "Welcome to the Lou Holtz Show. Unfortunately, I'm Lou Holtz." Keep an eye on ... How long hope lasts. Carolina opens with four straight home games, including potential victories against New Mexico State and Eastern Michigan. But if they don't get one by then, turn out the lights: six of the final seven opponents went to bowls last year. It's a good season if ... The Gamecocks score 20 or more points on any given Saturday. An accompanying victory might lead to statewide pandemonium.		AROUND THE SEC Alabama Arkansas Auburn Florida Georgia Kentucky LSU Mississippi Mississippi St. South Carolina Tennessee Vanderbilt ALSO SEE Coaching carousel slowing down in SEC