Spring Break
Spurrier, Gamecocks ready to bring aerial attack to Fayetteville
Robert Beckmann
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Sports
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The absence of Mitchell opened the door for redshirt freshman Chris Smelley and sophomore Tommy Beecher. When Mitchell returned, he and Smelley fought for the starting spot, while Beecher fell to the wayside.
Since then, Smelley has gotten the starting nod five times and Mitchell three times. However, Spurrier, always looking for the player with the hot-hand, recently returned the reins of the offense back to Mitchell.
"Mitchell is a very accurate passer," Nutt said. "He has done a good job and we know firsthand how he can throw the football."
Last week against Tennessee, Smelley started the game but was benched after getting sacked twice and throwing an interception. Mitchell played the remainder, going 31-of-45 passing for 290 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Arkansas Razorbacks are familiar with Mitchell, who nearly led the Gamecocks to a comeback victory against the Hogs in 2006. Playing only in the second half, Mitchell carved up the Razorback defense, going 15-of-21 for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
"Two of his drives were two of the best drives of catch and throw, catch and throw that I've ever seen," UA defense coordinator Reggie Herring said.
The South Carolina kicking game will also be riding a hot-streak entering Saturday's game. Junior Ryan Succop successfully kicked 35- and 37-yard field goals against the Hogs last season.
Last week, Succop nailed a 49-yarder against Tennessee, tying the season long for the year in the SEC.
The Gamecocks will play the Razorbacks Saturday in the Hogs' final Fayetteville game of the season.
Since then, Smelley has gotten the starting nod five times and Mitchell three times. However, Spurrier, always looking for the player with the hot-hand, recently returned the reins of the offense back to Mitchell.
"Mitchell is a very accurate passer," Nutt said. "He has done a good job and we know firsthand how he can throw the football."
Last week against Tennessee, Smelley started the game but was benched after getting sacked twice and throwing an interception. Mitchell played the remainder, going 31-of-45 passing for 290 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Arkansas Razorbacks are familiar with Mitchell, who nearly led the Gamecocks to a comeback victory against the Hogs in 2006. Playing only in the second half, Mitchell carved up the Razorback defense, going 15-of-21 for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
"Two of his drives were two of the best drives of catch and throw, catch and throw that I've ever seen," UA defense coordinator Reggie Herring said.
The South Carolina kicking game will also be riding a hot-streak entering Saturday's game. Junior Ryan Succop successfully kicked 35- and 37-yard field goals against the Hogs last season.
Last week, Succop nailed a 49-yarder against Tennessee, tying the season long for the year in the SEC.
The Gamecocks will play the Razorbacks Saturday in the Hogs' final Fayetteville game of the season.
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