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Spurrier mum on starting QB
Coach will choose between Beecher, Smelley
Written by Joseph Person
Posted on 08.29.08
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USC coach Steve Spurrier did not announce a starting quarterback Friday, a day after Chris Smelley came off the bench and kick-started an offense that sputtered for three quarters under starter Tommy Beecher.
Spurrier said he would announce his choice to start Thursday's game at Vanderbilt in coming days.
During a teleconference with reporters, Spurrier said he was embarrassed by an overall offensive performance that included four interceptions by Beecher, five false-start penalties and numerous protection breakdowns by linemen and backs.
He said Jarriel King, who replaced Hutch Eckerson at left tackle for much of the second half, might get a chance to start.
Spurrier praised the play of the defense, singling out end Byron McKnight (one sack), and said the special teams were solid under first-year coordinator Ray Rychleski.
USC came out of the opener with no major injuries. Beecher, who left with a head injury at the end of the third quarter, felt good enough Thursday night after the game that he did not meet with the training staff, Spurrier said.
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