COLUMBIA -- After a dissapointing bowl loss to end the 2009 season, Gamecock Nation is hoping for better things to come.

USC's campus was a little quiet today as the second summer semester winds down.

But WACH Fox News found some fans who are counting down the days to the Gamecocks season opener against Southern Mississippi.

"I'm very excited," says Elyssa Markle.  "I hope they do well.  I've heard we've got some good recruits so I hope they pull through this year.  I'm rooting for them."

"I'm a big fan," adds Ekib Ekurie.  "I can't wait to go to all the games and cheer on the Gamecocks.

We asked fan Keller Goldman if this could be the year for the Gamecocks.

"Actually, I do because everyone else has got those downfalls.  We're coming up so I think this is the year of the Gamecock."

The Gamecocks kick off practice Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.  Read the full story here. 

Here is the preseason practice schedule. 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.