Fansided

Lorenzo Nunez named 3rd starting QB for SCAR in 2015

By John Buhler

Sep 12, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (19) runs the ball following a block by running back Brandon Wilds (22) during the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kentucky wins 26-22 over South Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (19) runs the ball following a block by running back Brandon Wilds (22) during the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kentucky wins 26-22 over South Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier named true freshman Lorenzo Nunez the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback for their Week 4 matchup with the UCF Knights.

The Head Ball Coach was apparently not impressed with former walk-on Perry Orth’s performance at quarterback against the Georgia Bulldogs. Orth went 6-of-17 for 67 yards and an interception versus Georgia in a 52-20 defeat between the hedges at Sanford Stadium. Steve Spurrier announced this week’s starter against UCF as true freshman Lorenzo Nunez.

Nunez grew up in Bulldog Country in Kennesaw, Ga. He completed 4-of-5 passes for 18 yards after replacing Perry Orth for the Gamecocks. The true freshman also scampered for a team-high 76 yards on the ground on 10 designed runs and had one touchdown.

The Gamecocks quarterback situation is growing more complex by the week. Week 1 starter Connor Mitch suffered an upper body injury that will sideline him for at least a month.  Orth had to come in, but USC fell at home to SEC East-rival Kentucky to drop to 0-1 in SEC Play. That was the second consecutive loss to the Wildcats for the Gamecocks.

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Though South Carolina was a 17-point underdog on the road in Athens, losing by 32 points to a team the program had owned of late (4-1 record versus UGA from 2010-14) hastened Spurrier’s decision to go with another quarterback in what is now a must-win game for USC against UCF.

South Carolina is now 1-2 (0-2) on the year and their schedule only intensifies with games against Missouri, LSU, Texas A&M, and arch rival Clemson still on the slate. USC could potentially miss out on a bowl game for the first time since 2007, Year Three of the Steve Spurrier Era.

What Lorenzo Nunez brings to the position is accuracy and mobility. When USC has a quarterback that can do those two things (i.e. Connor Shaw), the program is one of the best in the SEC. It may not happen this year, but Nunez could potentially become the next long-term starter for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Or he could just be a warm body to play the position until Connor Mitch is ready to play again for USC.

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