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Spurrier unsure of QB starter

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South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier might go with backup Chris Smelley at quarterback next week against Vanderbilt. But Spurrier said Friday that Tommy Beecher's four-interception performance in the Gamecocks' 34-0 victory wasn't all the junior's fault. Spurrier says the offensive line and the running backs didn't do a good job protecting Beecher for most of the game. Beecher was forced to scramble or let go of a pass earlier than he wanted. The result was four interceptions in Beecher's first start. Smelley came on the fourth quarter after Beecher was knocked in the head, and he smoothly directed three touchdown drives. Spurrier said he'll wait a few days before deciding on a quarterback for South Carolina's first Souteastern Conference game this season.

Associated Press

Steve Spurrier, AP Steve Spurrier, AP
August 30, 2008  09:24 AM ET

Not sure? Go with Smelley!

August 30, 2008  09:41 AM ET

wasn't all the junior's fault??? He threw 4 terrible interceptions, maybe 1 or 2 but not 4

August 30, 2008  11:14 AM ET

Beecher threw 4 picks and NCSU could easily have had a couple more. Smelley looked good, go with him.

On a side note, how does a team collect 4 INT's and STILL get shut out?! This could be a VERY long year for the 'Pack.

August 30, 2008  12:00 PM ET

Go with your gut Steve, one guy turns the game around

August 30, 2008  12:37 PM ET

Agree with eyesWideOpen. NCState and coach O'Brien is going to be in for a LONG year.

August 30, 2008  01:09 PM ET

Looked like the whole team sucked to me! That game was played bad on both sides of the ball! If I was a Gamecock fan I would be scared.

August 30, 2008  04:27 PM ET

Game was great after half time. Rick Flair was throwin up Four Horseman signs on the sideline!

August 30, 2008  04:37 PM ET

Spurrier is unsure of the starting qb.....where have I heard this before.....I remember Wuerffel at Florida. Got benched constantly, and he won the Heisman with Spurrier. Spurrier wouldn't be Spurrier if he was sure on the qb. Who ever starts next will get benched eventually and the other will play. That was Spurrier at Florida. That was Spurrier with the Redskins. Everyone thinks he has changed??? Come on now people.

August 30, 2008  04:49 PM ET

Yard Bird, you can't lose when you have the "Nature Boy" on your side. Congrats to you for your team's blowout.

August 30, 2008  11:21 PM ET

4 picks and the Gamecocks still shut them out...tough times at NC State i guess.

August 31, 2008  05:42 AM ET

Roll Tide, congrats on drubbing Clemson last night. Made my day, living in the Heart of Tiger Country. But don't get it too twisted about us Gamecocks. We aren't scared. Why should we be? We played as badly as we could have for 2plus quarters and was still UP 13-0. We have a "D" that's going to remain near the top of the SEC and although the "O" looked like ...well, let's say they looked bad. they'll come around. The line is better than last year. Skill players are as good as any in the league at WR and RB. I like "Beech". He's a talented kid. Smelley is probably a better game manager and he plays it closer to the vest. But Beech gives us a chance to COMPETE with the BIG BOYS...when he's on.

August 31, 2008  07:37 AM ET

Beecher is garbage, I saw nothing in his game that says he should be the starter. Go with Smelley

August 31, 2008  08:03 AM ET

Hey DREADNECK, maybe you should be the coach, you seem to know everything about football.Come down to Columbia and start today, please. jerry

August 31, 2008  10:44 AM ET

yes, appears its going to be a very long season for us Wolfpack faithful. I think O'Brien will get State going in the right direction, but god knows it sucks watching him trying to clean up the garbage that Amato left.

August 31, 2008  12:09 PM ET

Beecher looked horrible. Smelley looked good against a very bad NCST team. Hard to tell just how good the **** are they certainly kept running up the score for no reason...typical Spurrier.

August 31, 2008  04:03 PM ET

I'm only a fan at a FAN'S SITE. My alma mater already has one of the finest coaches in the game. If I'm somehow out of line by expressing an opinion, then I owe you and everyone else here my deepest apologies. I've never claimed to "know everything" ...about ANYTHING. I offered an opinion, that's all.

August 31, 2008  07:03 PM ET

ACC sucks

August 31, 2008  08:36 PM ET

Get ready **** - 2 weeks before reality sets in.

 
September 3, 2008  01:16 AM ET

Oh I love it....Carolina's probably the only team online that gets ***'ed out. "GO ****!" See? LOL

And what a name for a QB. Smelley. What a group. He's good though, I saw him play last season in limited action. Spurrier will start him but he may play musical QBs all year. It's his way.

War Eagle!

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