Zeb Noland has a growing mustache that draws a mixed reaction from those close to him. His brother, Ben, loves it, and wants the South Carolina quarterback to also grow a mullet. Coach Shane Beamer? Not so much.

Noland said the mustache just started and he’s going to, “let it ride.”

Noland will get the start this week at Texas A&M as Beamer announced on Tuesday that Luke Doty is out for the season with a foot injury. Noland, who started the first 2 games of the season, was asked how the offense has evolved since the start of the season.

“I think we’re going a lot faster than we did Week 1,” Noland said on Wednesday. “Continue to go fast, play fast, but a controlled fast with a lot of great communication.”

Noland said he’s gotten more used to being a player again since he was a graduate assistant and more of a coach leading up to the season the first time he started.

“It all happened really fast,” Noland said. “It was Aug. 17 I started and Sept. 17 I was talking to you guys and it felt like one day. Even after the EIU game, I was like it’s fast and furious, but it really has slowed down. I think it’s because I got a schedule, every single week that I can stick to.”

Noland also said the Gamecocks continue to improve with things like communication and substitutions each week, and being a backup for the last few weeks has allowed him to see the offense from a different perspective.