Redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia could start Saturday's game against Ole Miss. Photo courtesy Juan Blas.By Wes Mitchell
South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier met with the media for his weekly press conference Tuesday as his team prepares to travel to Oxford, Miss. Saturday to tangle with the Ole Miss Rebels.
While still not happy about his offense, Spurrier said he was was thrilled with his defense that is now ranked no. 1 in the nation in yards per game (221.4 yds/game).
"I used to say if we could get one around here in the top half of the conference (we'd be in good position)," Spurrier said. "Now we've got the top in the country. Our defense is solid. They've got good players, they're well-coached and want to play."
Spurrier credited first-year defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson with the defense's transformation.
"We all feel fortunate Ellis is here," Spurrier said. "Our defensive guys are playing very well. They're well-coached. They're doing a super job."
On the offensive side of the ball, Spurrier has not decided who will start at quarterback for his struggling offense. Redshirt freshman Stephen Garcia seemed to provide a spark going 13-for-20 for 131 yards through the air and adding another 86 yards on the ground.
But Spurrier doesn't know if his young quarterback is ready.
"Hopefully Stephen can make good decisions. Good decisions are what separate quarterbacks," Spurrier said. "He can make the throws. He can make some that Chris isn't comfortable making. We just have to coach the heck out of Stephen. If we can get him not scrambling every play, I think he'll be a great quarterback. For his first time out he played pretty well."
Saturday's game will kick off at 2 p.m. EST and will broadcast throughout South Carolina on pay-per-view only.
