South Carolina – Vanderbilt

South Carolina -10 vs Vanderbilt.

The big news heading into Thursday night’s battle of 1-0 SEC teams is that South Carolina is changing quarterbacks after its 34-0 rout of North Carolina State last week: Chris Smelley gets the call under center for the Gamecocks, who are 10-point favorites for the nationally televised game at Vanderbilt.

Coach Steve Spurrier said the move was because Game 1 starter Tommy Beecher is injured (he hurt his throwing shoulder in the game), although Beecher was terrible against the Wolfpack, completing 12 of 22 passes for 112 yards and four interceptions. Smelley entered in the fourth quarter and led the Gamecocks to 21 points, going 5-for-5 for 92 yards and two TDs.

“[Smelley] played well, and probably deserved to start even if Tommy isn’t injured,” said Spurrier. “But Tommy is injured so we don’t have to worry about this, that, or the other.”

In addition, the offensive line seemed to come to life under Smelley. He had plenty of time to complete all five of his pass attempts, and USC rushed for 116 yards during the quarter.

“We mixed the run in with the pass better when he was in there, and the protection was better for whatever reason,” Spurrier said. “I have no idea, same protections and so forth. Tommy didn’t play very well, either. I’m not trying to give him all the outs, that he played super and he had no protection.”

Beecher is doubtful to play against Vanderbilt. It is possible he could heal enough by game time to serve as Smelley’s backup, but starting is out of the question.

“He’s hurt,” Spurrier said. “He couldn’t even throw the ball.”

South Carolina will be looking for revenge against the Commodores. Last year, the Gamecocks were 6-1 and No. 6 in the country before losing 17-6 at home to Vandy. That was the beginning of a five-game losing streak for South Carolina.

Smelley started that game but was replaced after throwing two interceptions. The Commodores‘ win was their first against Spurrier in 15 tries. It also marked the highest-ranked opponent they’d defeated in more than 70 years.

“We’re just mad at ourselves from last year,” Spurrier said. “I’ve said it many times – that was one of the worst offensive games I’ve ever attempted to coach. It was a sorry performance.”

Vanderbilt comes in this week after an impressive 34-13 win against Miami of Ohio and returns many of its key players, so look for a close game.