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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) --Clemson and South Carolina are ready to start football practice and both are hoping to take the next steps toward league championships.

The Tigers, 9-5 last year, are the defending ACC Atlantic Division champs, yet fell to Georgia Tech 39-34 in the league title game. And that's got coach Dabo Swinney and his players wanting more this season.

The Gamecocks, 7-6 a year ago, are also seeking bigger things in an SEC Eastern Division that looks more competitive than it has in coach Steve Spurrier's previous five seasons at South Carolina. Question marks for Georgia and Tennessee -- the Vols are on their third head coach in three seasons -- could leave room for the Gamecocks near the top of the division.

Both teams open fall practice on Tuesday night.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Here is the preseason practice schedule for USC. Most practices will last approximately two hours. Dates and times are subject to change.

Tuesday, August 3: 7:30 p.m. (Helmets only)
Wednesday, August 4: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 5: 7:30 p.m. (Helmets and shoulder pads)
Friday, August 6: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 7: 7:30 p.m. (First day of full pads)
Sunday, August 8: Media Day, 2:30 - 5 p.m. Practice: 7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 9: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 10: 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 11: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 12: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 13: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 14: 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, August 15: Colonial Life Fan Appreciation Day, 1-2:30 p.m., Practice: 7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 16: 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 17: 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 18: 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 19: First day of classes; Practice: 4:15 p.m.
Friday, August 20: 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, August 21: 11 a.m.
Sunday, August: 22: No practice scheduled
Monday, August 23: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 24: 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, August 25: 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 26: 4:15 p.m.
Friday, August 27: No practice scheduled
Saturday, August 28: 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 29: 7 p.m.
Monday, August 30: 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 31: 4:15 p.m.