Spurrier Gives The Explanation On Why Connor Mitch

He was part of a four-way battle for the job with true freshman Lorenzo Nunez, Michael Scarnecchia, and Perry Orth.

The Gamecocks take on the Tar Heels September 3 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Everyone kind of had the feeling that Mitch would be the starter from the few comments that were made about the sophomore last season, when G.A. Mangus said that the “light has turned on”. “We’re going to support him and give him every chance to be the quarterback the entire year”, said Steve Spurrier, who noted that the quarterback competition was “extremely close” but that Mitch “was slightly ahead” of the other candidates. What the competition has done is get two other guys ready to play. Mitch will begin the season as the starter, but proving he should hold onto the spot will be an ongoing process. “Coach Spurrier said if I keep moving the ball, don’t make mistakes, don’t turn it over, obviously I can keep leading the team”. Mitch played last season in two games as a redshirt freshman and connected on 2-for-6 passes for 19 yards in limited duty. “‘You’ll be happy if you’re named the starter, right?’ I said, ‘Absolutely”.

Spurrier could’ve easily handed Mitch the auto keys weeks ago.

Mitch has the benefit of experienced playmakers in Cooper, a 1,000-yard receiver, and running backs Brandon Wilds, Shon Carson and David Williams.

Winning at summer camp is one thing, but Mitch anticipates a tougher task during the season.