South Carolina Names Smelley As Starter

All Access Football has learned that Chris Smelley will start at quarterback for South Carolina against Vanderbilt on Thursday night.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said he made the decision after starter Tommy Beecher couldn't practice Monday because he couldn't lift his non-throwing shoulder. He said Smelley probably deserves to start even if Beecher was not injured.

Beecher threw four interceptions in his first career start last week against North Carolina State. The junior came out before the fourth quarter because he was hurt.
Smelley then completed all five of his passes and led the Gamecocks on three scoring drives. Stephen Garcia will probably be Smelley's backup unless Beecher's shoulder improves.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media