Jason Brown to start at QB when Gamecocks host Gators
South Carolina seems to have its starting quarterback plans in order.
St. Francis (Pennsylvania) transfer Jason Brown will start for USC on Saturday against Florida, according to a report Friday from Matt Zenitz of On3. A source close to the team confirmed to The State that Brown will start.
“Jason’s done a nice job of preparing and going out there and practicing with confidence,” head coach Shane Beamer said earlier this week. “We’ve got to put together a good plan to give whoever plays quarterback for us the opportunity to be successful.”
Brown will become South Carolina’s third different starting quarterback this season. Presumed starter Luke Doty initially missed time due to a foot injury that he later aggravated and will keep him out the rest of the season.
Zeb Noland, who was converted from a graduate assistant to quarterback, previously started in Doty’s place. Noland underwent a surgical procedure to address a torn meniscus in his right knee during the bye week.
Beamer was hopeful Noland would be able to play this week, though it appears he’ll be on the sidelines after starting four of South Carolina’s eight games this year.
Brown earned his most extensive playing time of the year in mop-up duty at Texas A&M two weeks ago. The Virginia native completed 8 of 14 passes for 84 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
“The moment wasn’t too big for him,” Beamer said of Brown after the Texas A&M loss. “He sat in the pocket and made some throws. Certainly some throws that he would like to have back and that maybe were a little off ... but for his first game action, I thought he came in and did a great job.”
In three-plus years at St. Francis, Brown completed 61.6% of his 411 passes for 3,124 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions. Saturday will be his first start for South Carolina.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 12:11 PM.
