Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks have named a starting quarterback for the season opener against Eastern Illinois, according to ESPN’s Chris Low.

Zeb Noland will get the nod, and that’s surprising because Noland came to South Carolina as a graduate assistant on Beamer’s coaching staff specifically for this season. Noland gets the start after projected starter Luke Doty went down with a preseason injury to his left foot.

Noland came to South Carolina following a playing career at North Dakota State, and once Doty was injured, Beamer and the staff moved Noland into the quarterback rotation — and he ended up winning the job.

Noland has one year of eligibility remaining, and he’s been sharing reps with fellow signal caller Jason Brown during fall camp. Noland threw for 721 yards, 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions during his final season at North Dakota State.

The Gamecocks and Panthers play Saturday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET.