A.J. Turner: USC offense runs faster with Brandon McIlwain at QB

South Carolina tailback A.J. Turner came oh so close Tuesday to delivering a definitive statement about the Gamecocks quarterback rotation.

The redshirt freshman starting running back was comparing what happened in the first and second half of Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State. A few days earlier, coach Will Muschamp had been non-committal about whether or not senior Perry Orth will continue to start.

“Second half, we played with a faster tempo,” Turner said of the game. “I feel like that’s how our offense is. I feel we do better when we play faster, and I think that’s what Brandon McIlwain brings to the table at quarterback. He’s able to hurry up the offense and make plays.”

Soon after, he clarified his stance, saying the hurried-up offense kept everyone more urgent about their jobs and assignments. He stopped short of saying the freshman gave the offense more life.

Muschamp said the staff had a good idea who will start and that both players are taking reps in practice. He did not say whether the team would reveal its starter ahead of Saturday’s game against East Carolina.

The coach praised McIlwain’s command and how he moved the offense against MSU, noted some bad throws and then said the freshman gave USC a spark.

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 3:23 PM with the headline "A.J. Turner: USC offense runs faster with Brandon McIlwain at QB."