[Tuck4Bama]

Timing is everything in Steve Spurrier’s offense — and Chris Smelley’s time is now.

Smelley is scheduled to make his third career start at quarterback this week against Mississippi State after replacing an ineffective Blake Mitchell in the second half of South Carolina’s 28-16 loss at LSU.

Smelley threw for 174 yards and led the Gamecocks to two fourth-quarter scores. But it was Smelley’s quick release that prompted Spurrier to make a quick decision and name Smelley this week’s starter minutes after the LSU loss.

“I thought (Smelley) made some good, quick throws there and got rid of the ball and got hit,” Spurrier said Sunday. “He threw some good-looking passes out there and hit a bunch of guys here and there.

“... Blake had a lot of pressure on him. He’s just struggling right now, so we’re going to give Chris Smelley a chance.”

The Gamecocks remained in the top 25 in both polls despite the loss. USC slipped four spots to No. 16 in The Associated Press rankings and fell from 14th to 21st in the coaches poll.

Quick hands have Smelley on top in QB arms race

[vincesanity82]

It was only a matter of time, wasn't it? Steve Spurrier announced Monday that he's benching 5th year senior quarterback Blake Mitchell in favor of sophomore Chris Smelley, citing Smelley's quicker release and decision making in the second half of South Carolina's loss to LSU:
"I thought (Smelley) made some good, quick throws there and got rid of the ball and got hit," Spurrier said Sunday. "He threw some good-looking passes out there and hit a bunch of guys here and there.

"... Blake had a lot of pressure on him. He's just struggling right now, so we're going to give Chris Smelley a chance."

The Inevitable: Spurrier Benches Mitchell, Smelley to Start Saturday - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog