[Tuck4Bama]

It was only one game, but South Carolina quarterback Chris Smelley passed his first passing test against Mississippi State — with flying colors, according to the Gamecocks’ coach.

In his first start since taking over for Blake Mitchell, Smelley threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns against Mississippi State. More importantly, the right-hander made quick decisions in the pocket, allowing the Gamecocks to hit the downfield throws that are the trademark of Steve Spurrier’s timing-based offense.

“He took his steps and threw the ball. There wasn’t a lot of hesitation. There wasn’t a lot of waiting and indecision,” Spurrier said Sunday. “That’s why the balls got there when the guys were open. We actually hit some guys and they caught the ball without a whole bunch of guys hanging all over ‘em.”

The Gamecocks entered the game with six passing plays of 25 yards or longer. Against the Bulldogs, they had three receptions of 25 yards or more, and another three covering at least 20.

Though Smelley was sacked on consecutive snaps on the Gamecocks’ first possession of the second half, he avoided the rush on several other plays and had an 11-yard scramble for a first down.

“We still had some opportunities that we didn’t get off. We still had a little too much pressure on the quarterback at times,” Spurrier said. “But other than that, it was better than most times.”

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks also was impressed with Smelley, a redshirt freshman from Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Notes: Smelley’s throws pass Spurrier’s test