5 players to watch for South Carolina in the Gamecocks’ game against Vanderbilt

Shawn Elliott will debut as coach Saturday when the Gamecocks play host to Vanderbilt at Williams-Brice Stadium. And the Gamecocks also may have a different starting quarterback for the third time this season.

Elliott takes over on an interim basis for Steve Spurrier, who abruptly resigned Monday, informing his players after practice. Connor Mitch, the Gamecocks’ top quarterback, will be back in uniform and ready to play, though Elliott named Perry Orth the starter for the 4 p.m. ET kickoff.

Gamecocks fans shouldn’t expect any big changes in scheme or personnel from the former offensive coordinator. With Vanderbilt  (2-3, 0-2 SEC) coming to town, Elliott has an excellent opportunity to get off to winning start. The Gamecocks (2-4, 0-4) are favored by 10 points in Las Vegas sportsbooks.

1. WR Pharoh Cooper — The Gamecocks’ big-play weapon may be called on in a variety of roles, including receiving, taking handoffs on the jet sweep, taking snaps in the “Wildcat,” returning kicks and throwing passes on trick plays. The more Cooper gets the ball, the better chance the Gamecocks have to win. Cooper has 427 yards receiving, 88 rushing yards and 50 yards in punt returns with 4 touchdowns.
2. QB Connor Mitch — The sophomore, injured in the Gamecocks’ loss to Kentucky, has practiced this week and Elliott said he was “available.” Mitch, a four-star recruit, has the strongest, most-accurate arm among the Gamecocks’ top 3 quarterbacks. Though not a breakaway running threat, he the ability to move in the pocket and run if given open field. Mitch was 13 of 29 for 165 yards and one touchdown before suffering a shouslder injury.
3. QB Perry Orth — The former walk-on will get the start Orth did a creditable job in relief against Kentucky and was not the reason for the Gamecocks’ blowout loss at Georgia. If Orth gives a solid performance running the offense and making a few throws, the Gamecocks should be able to handle the Commodores without needing to call upon Mitch for heavy duty, or third option Lorenzo Nunez, whose status for the game was “questionable” on Wednesday.
4. OLB Skai Moore — The leader of the Gamecocks defense, Moore makes plays all over the field. He made three interceptions in the first two games and leads the team with 58 tackles, including 30 solo tackles. He’s the defense’s best bet to create a turnover from Vanderbilt quarterback Johnny McCrary, who has thrown seven interceptions.
5. K Elliott Fry — Dependable throughout his Gamecocks career, Fry has made 11 of 15 attempts this season, including two kicks of more than 50 yards. He’s been shaky from 40 to 49 yards, though, making only 1 of 4 from that range. In a game between two struggling teams, the outcome could come down to a field-goal attempt.

John Brasier