A quarterback competition, some shuffling of the running back depth chart, and questions about the defense describe South Carolina as it opens the season. But how much will be learned by Thursday night is a question in itself.

For an insider’s view, Willie Smith III covers South Carolina football for The Greenville News. He offered this perspective to Saturday Down South about the state of the South Carolina football team as it enters its opener against Vanderbilt:

How different will the offense look depending on the quarterback who eventually wins the job?

Smith III: Kurt Roper is know for his ability to develop high-powered passing attacks, something he accomplished at Duke. That is the goal at South Carolina as well.

But, with the Gamecocks’ lack of experience at the skill positions, the process will have to take baby steps.

Will Muschamp and Roper will not publicly announce a starting quarterback until just before USC’s Thursday night road game against Vanderbilt. Redshirt senior Perry Orth is expected to get the call, however.

While talented freshmen Brandon McIlwain and Jake Bentley have been impressive, Orth has started eight games for the Gamecocks, including last year’s encounter against the Commodores when he completed 17 of 28 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted once.

Depending upon the events of that game, McIlwain is expected to receive some action and could eventually become the team’s starter. He brings the ability to make plays with his legs, somewhat like Connor Shaw. He is also an accurate passer who appears to have quickly absorbed the playbook.

Redshirt freshman A.J. Turner is slated to start at running back, although junior David Williams should also receive significant time. After being in the coaches’ doghouse at the start of fall practice, even getting tossed from the first workout, Williams has come on strong in the last week.

Sophomore Deebo Samuel has the ability to become USC’s next big-play receiver. He proved that against Clemson when he caught five passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.

To do that, however, he must remain healthy. He missed seven games with a hamstring injury last season and was limited during the first week of fall practice with the same problem.

Junior Jamari Smith quickly made a positive impression on the coaching staff after moving to the slot after playing cornerback a year ago.

Sophomore Hayden Hurst, who returned to football following a stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, will provide a big impact at tight end. The coaching staff believes he has ability to impact the offense as a receiver and blocker.

The line is the strength of the unit, led by senior left tackle Mason Zandi, guard Alan Knott and center Cory Helms, who transferred from Wake Forest.

Given the competition and the other skill players on offense, will there be a marked difference in the offensive production with either QB?

Smith III: Orth gives the unit a level head, is an accurate passer and has just enough running ability to avoid trouble with his legs. He is a team leader and has a strong understanding of the playbook.

McIlwain has the best combination of passing and running ability among the quarterbacks and made an impact on the coaching staff during the spring.

Jake Bentley, at 6-3, 224 pounds is the lone USC quarterback that can stand tall in the pocket. He also throws a very catchable deep ball and has the arm strength to zip the ball into tight spaces. His lack of time with the offense could mean a redshirt season, although he has enough of a grasp that he should be ready if called upon.

How surprising was the emergence of A.J. Turner at running back?

Smith III: Most had automatically penciled on David Williams as the starter, with Turner viewed as a change of pace, third-down performer. He has been the most consistent of the running backs during the fall, however, as his performance has never dropped off.

He is listed at 5-10, 195 pounds, but appears to be closer to 180 pounds. It will be hard for him to survive the rigors of the SEC if he has 20-plus carries per game.

It will probably be running back by committee for USC.

Given the Skai Moore injury, and questions in the secondary, what are the expectations for the defense?

Smith III: The loss of Moore, who led USC in tackles in each of his three seasons and was also the interception leader, is massive.

Believe it or not, however, the linebackers appear to be the strength of the team. T.J. Holloman and Jonathan Walton, both starters a year ago, return. Bryson Allen-Williams has possibly been the team’s most impressive performer in the spring and fall. He will man the Will linebacker slot but also do a plethora of things, including rush the quarterback on occasion.

The defensive line is deep, led by senior Marquavius Lewis. Despite having talent, the unit underachieved a year ago. It has responded to coach Lance Thompson, however, and improved.

The biggest defensive question mark is the secondary, which is thin. Rashad Fenton has been impressive at cornerback, while junior college transfer Jamarcus King (6-2, 180) gives the team length. Junior Chris Lammons will open at safety but will play corner in certain situations.

The defense will be more aggressive than the previous version as defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson plans to press, playing a bump and run up to 70 percent of the game.

Have you been able to tell much difference in Will Muschamp’s approach so far from his Florida days?

Smith III: Muschamp believes in his approach and abilities, so there has been little change. The team has been forced to learn how to practice at a much faster pace than under Steve Spurrier. Sessions have also been more physical as he wants his team to be physical.

His approach both on and off the field has been pretty much similar to his days in Gainesville.