Truth & Rumors > NCAAF

Promo_BaseballChallenge_638x30

Spurrier names starting quarterback

Views
3457
Comments
13

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier says Chris Smelley will start at quarterback against Ole Miss, relegating freshman passer Stephen Garcia to the bench. Spurrier says the sophomore Smelley was more mentally ready to lead the Gamecocks as they travel to Mississippi on Saturday. Smelley has started the past four games, but Garcia is the more popular choice among fans. Garcia saw his most action in last week's 26-13 victory against UAB. Spurrier says Garcia is still struggling with certain aspects of the position.

Associated Press

Steve Spurrier, Grant Halverson/Getty Images Steve Spurrier, Grant Halverson/Getty Images
October 3, 2008  07:58 AM ET

So why wasn't he "mentally" tougher to start EVERY game? Give me a break Spurrier, your team has issues and your pulling a political "flip-flop" for this game.

October 3, 2008  10:00 AM ET

Why doesn't he give Steven Garcia a chance? The guy might be different from typical Spurrier QB's but compared to Smelley and Beecher he can actually play.

October 3, 2008  11:34 AM ET

Since watching Spurrier and the 2 QB (or 3) system the past two years I have noticed something very important. Last season, the TEAM played better with Smelley than with Mitchell. This year the TEAM has been playing better with Garcia. I think its time for Spurrier to wake up and really watch the games he has been coaching. If it is obvious to an upper deck fan, it should be obvious to the HBC.

October 3, 2008  01:34 PM ET

I am so sick of Steve Spurrier that as a Lifelong Gamecock Fan, he needs to just go away. Against UAB, the Gamecocks only moved the ball when Garcia was in. Hello "Ol Ball Coach" time to stuff that 1966 QB ego up your rear!!

October 3, 2008  02:46 PM ET

Have faith. Smelly played well against Georgia for a half at least. Believe me Garcia will play a lot if Smelly falls into his habits and throws a couple of floating picks in the first half. Personally I would like to see what Garcia can do as a starter, but right now he aint playing like Joe Montana either...I really don't have faith in either one right now, so I'll trust the coaches decision.

October 3, 2008  03:25 PM ET

We've seen Smelly as a starter and know his capabilities! Garcia is the fan (and probably team) favorite, why not at least give him a shot? You can always pull him if things go sour! The fans want to see something different Coach! The status quo ain't it no mo!

October 3, 2008  03:36 PM ET

Oh my SC fans have such short memories. Your team has been the door mat of the SEC for years. Holtz had some minor success back t back visits to orlando, WOW what an accomplishment. The old ball coach is the GREATEST thing to happen to columbia ever, well next to George Rodgers. But, please, you have a legitimate GREAT coach, so what he flip flops QB's. If you run Spurrier out of town, do to your ignorance, thinking your a top flight SEC power without Spurrier, good luck hiring the Saban's of this world. who know's maybe Fulmer will be interested in your said pathetic program. The **** do really mean something if you run Spurrier, get real **** fans.

October 3, 2008  07:44 PM ET

He deserves to be the starter. 6-6 last year.

October 4, 2008  06:14 AM ET

He's thrown too many picks this year.

October 4, 2008  07:01 AM ET

Maybe, just maybe, if you could get Garcia to share his BEER withSmelly then he would become a Great Q B like MR. Garcia. Maybe give THE OLD BALL COACH a COOLONE.

October 4, 2008  10:04 AM ET

He like SMELLEY to lead the GAMECOCKS

October 5, 2008  08:19 AM ET

WOW! Garcia must have let Smelley have a 6-pack. And THE OLD BALL COACH must of had one. Good game. jerry

 
October 5, 2008  03:24 PM ET

Maybe Garcia was too hung over. Those well drink specials pack a 2nd day wallop.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


The Si.com Cover Hub Go to the Cover Hub

Stub Hub

The 2009 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Browns owner chasing Holmgren?
    Views
    24014
    Comments
    1675
  2. 2
    Who will play shortstop for Red Sox?
    Views
    25468
    Comments
    1311
  3. 3
    Navy loss a deal-breaker for Weis?
    Views
    47968
    Comments
    358
  4. 4
    Patriots show up Porter
    Views
    26639
    Comments
    286
  5. 5
    Varitek returning to Red Sox?
    Views
    803
    Comments
    225

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    Porkins: F U to Hell, BCS
  2. 2
    RobertMenn: You stole my rake
  3. 3
    Perfectpats
  4. 4
    sign here
  5. 5
    Oso: Informative Sports. com

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    tSlowsu is still a joke! So is…
    Views
    322
    Replies
    94
  2. NBA > General NBA

    Suprises of the NBA
    Views
    149
    Replies
    2
  3. NFL > General NFL

    terminology
    Views
    141
    Replies
    59

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

SI Photos