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Quarterback play will be the compelling plot line when Texas A&M (5-2, 2-2 SEC) plays host to South Carolina (3-4, 1-4 SEC) in an early Saturday game between teams in transition heading into the regular season’s final month.
Who will start at quarterback for the Aggies, who could still salvage a major bowl bid despite poor performances by Kyle Allen in consecutive losses to Alabama and Ole Miss?
Will it be Allen or highly touted Kyler Murray? Or will it be junior-college transfer Jake Hubenak, who took over for Allen in the fourth quarter in last Saturday’s loss to Ole Miss and was included as a candidate by coach Kevin Sumlin on Monday?
If not for some unspecified issues Sumlin had with Murray, the freshman would seem a logical choice considering Allen’s recent struggles. Regardless, the coach said he would name a starter after Thursday’s practice.
Stability at quarterback is also a major question with the Gamecocks under interim coach Shawn Elliott. Connor Mitch, the best passer, is back from an injury. So is freshman Lorenzo Nunez, who showed promise against Central Florida and Mizzou.
Here’s five players who should have a major impact on the outcome of the game:
- Texas A&M QBs Kyle Allen/Kyler Murray/Jake Hubenak — The Aggies are stocked with playmakers at receiver, including dynamic freshman Christian Kirk, if the Aggies’ quarterback can get them the ball. But big mistakes such as the three interceptions returned for TDs against Alabama would give the Gamecocks a fighting chance.
- South Carolina OLB Skai Moore — If the Gamecocks defense makes a big play, Moore has probably played a major role in making it happen. His two interceptions against North Carolina were key to the Gamecocks’ season-opening victory. The junior leads the Gamecocks with 69 tackles, including 17 for loss and four interceptions.
- Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett — The sophomore is just as important to the Aggies as Moore is to the Gamecocks. Garrett is tied for third in the nation with 8.5 sacks and lead the Aggies with 13.5 tackles for loss. Garrett’s pass rushing ability gives the Aggies defensive big-play capabilities.
- South Carolina QBs Perry Orth/Lorenzo Nunez/Connor Mitch — Orth, a former walk-on, got the starting nod from Elliott. But if the Gamecocks fall behind, don’t be surprised to see Mitch, the opening-day starter and best passer come into the game, or Nunez, a dangerous running threat and a capable passer. Nunez and Mitch each are coming off injuries.
- South Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper — The versatile junior is the Gamecocks’ game breaker — whether catching passes, taking handoffs, running the offense from the Wildcat, throwing passes on trick plays or returning kicks. The Aggies defense will need to keep close surveillance on Cooper, who has 40 catches for 587 yards and four TDs and added 88 yards rushing and another TD.
