QB Battles Heat Up In Camp Part 2

QB Battle Heats Up In Camp Part 2    

                                                            Retrieved August 22, 2015 from https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMOaqTQUYAEp3Wv.jpg.

The main question I want to find out is regardless of who is the starting QB this year for the Gamecocks, can that player just manage the game? Can that player effectively throw a 7-10 yard pass?  Will that player be able to read defenses?

Todays QB that I want to look at is RS Freshman Michael Scarnecchia. The only difference between him and QB Connor Mitch is that he is an inch taller and has thrown ten less career passes, which is zero. If were trying to read coach Spurrier’s camp interviews, were no further ahead in knowing how he has or hasn’t developed. He did perform the best out of the South Carolina QB’s at their second scrimmage that took place on Saturday August 22^nd at Williams-Brice Stadium completing 6 out of 10 passes for 58 yards with no TD’s or INT’s.  (No Author, 2015).

Scarnecchia played his high school football in south Florida for the Fleming Island Golden Eagles. Listed by many scouting agencies as only a 2 star recruit Scarnecchia had an excellent TD to INT ratio as a senior with 28-2. Considered a pro style QB by the Gamecocks, only time will tell where he will fall into the line up. Tomorrow we will look at our third and final part of this story and I will give my opinion on who should start this season for the Gamecocks. Go Gamecocks!

Reference:

No Author. (2015). Offense Show Improvement in Saturday's Scrimmage. Retrieved August 22, 2015 from http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082215aaa.html.

QB Battles Heat Up In Camp Part 1

QB Battles Heat Up In Camp Part 1

  

                 Retrieved August 21, 2015 from: http://www.thestate.com/incoming/hwbk9d/picture18106115/ALTERNATES/FREE_640/RARVy.So.168.jpeg.

This is a three part series about the Gamecocks QB’s as they battle for the starting position come week 1 against North Carolina. With less than two weeks to go before the start of the season head coach Steve Spurrier has yet to name a starting QB. The Gamecocks have been in this situation before, but it has been a long time. According to the State Newspaper, Spurrier mentioned on his weekly radio show on Thursday August 20th “They have been OK. They have not been terrible at all.” (Kendall, 2015). Ok, well that doesn’t exactly help as an answer as a Gamecock fan but it will have to settle for now.

 Over the next three-blog post I am going to look at each QB that is in this battle and give my opinion on which QB I think should start or even co-start and at the end of the three part series.

 The first QB that I think has a chance to start is Sophomore Connor Mitch. He leads all QB’s on the roster with ten total pass attempts. Ok, now you see why were in a competition. Lack of playing time has lead to uncertainty at the position. Connor Mitch had an impressive high school career at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, NC. He threw for over 12,000 yards and 153 touchdowns in his career. At 6’3” and 212 lbs. he has the size to compete in the SEC. He is known as a pro style QB but according to camp reports he has the mobility to escape the pocket if needed. There isn’t a whole lot we know yet about Connor Mitch other then he has the most experience. Out of all the interviews I’ve listened to, it seems coach Spurrier is waiting for Connor to step up and show is leadership ability to lead this year’s team. Be sure to check back tomorrow for part two of this series. Go Gamecocks!

 Reference: Kendall, J. (2015). Retrieved August 21, 2015 from http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article31686734.html.

The Gamecocks are only 25 days away from the start of the 2015 season!

Gamecock fans, the time is near. The time to play football that counts is so close. Thursday, September 3 at 6 P.M. in Charlotte, N.C. the Gamecocks take on the UNC Tar Heels. The last time the Gamecocks opened up their season in Charlotte for a neutral site game was in 2011 where the Gamecocks defeated East Carolina 56-37.

What should we expect to see when the Gamecocks take the field in a little over three weeks? Will the defense get better? I think it has to in order for a competitive season. There are some question marks on the offensive line and of course we don't have a proven starting QB either. Can opposing defenses stop or even slow down Pharoh Cooper? Will our experienced and talented backfield take pressure off of the new starting QB, probably Sophomore Connor Mitch?

This is the first season in a long time the Gamecocks didn't start the season ranked in the top 25. Is that a good thing? I think so. In fact, I think the pressure is off of the Gamecocks for the first time in a long time. It seems every year there is a team that surprises the college football nation that starts outside the top 25 and ends up shocking everyone. Could it be the Gamecocks turn to do that?

It safe to say the Gamecocks are facing some questions going into this season. One of the biggest questions that comes up this time of year is the prediction of how many games will you win or lose? After looking at this seasons upcoming slate of games the Gamecocks have an uphill battle. Do they have the talent to win 10 plus games? My expectations for this season is 6 to 7 wins. I hope I'm wrong. I hope they win every game. We'll soon find out.