Steve Spurrier names Connor Mitch South Carolina starting QB

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier announced redshirt sophomore Connor Mitch will be the Gamecocks’ starter for the opener against North Carolina. “If (Connor) sprains his ankle or can’t play we will be in good hands with Perry (Orth) or Michael (Scarnecchia), and also Lorenzo (Nunez), he is capable of playing a bit”. Although Mitch was named the starter for the season opener, Spurrier has hinted at using more than one quarterback. The Tar Heels will nearly definitely improve on their ghastly 2014 defense that allowed 39.0 points per game, but North Carolina should still be one of the weaker defenses Mitch faces this year. And we already know that he likes the athleticism of Nunez, the athletic true freshman, and plans to have him on the field this season.

Mitch has seen limited action in his college career going 2-6 passing for 19 yards. He was the only quarterback to complete a pass for the Gamecocks other than starter Dylan Thompson.

Mitch played in two games past year in a mop-up role against Furman and South Alabama. He threw three interceptions in two stadium scrimmage sessions this month, something Spurrier acknowledged must end for the Gamecock offense to succeed.

“It was a coach’s decision but I think I put in a lot of work and effort this past fall camp, Mitch told the assembled media”, said Mitch.

Mitch has the benefit of experienced playmakers in Cooper, a 1,000-yard receiver, and running backs Brandon Wilds, Shon Carson and David Williams. “I’ve got to win (the job) every day”.