Quarterback questions prevail around Southeastern Conference
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Steve Spurrier is hoping Tommy Beecher can shut South Carolina’s revolving door at quarterback. Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville isn’t used to having a full-fledged quarterback battle going into August.
Outside of Florida with Tim Tebow and Georgia with Matthew Stafford, it’s a common issue facing Southeastern Conference coaches these days. At least seven are either seeking a No. 1 quarterback or preparing to start a new one.
Spurrier proclaimed Beecher the starter after spring practice and said Friday at SEC media days that he has told the junior that he doesn’t need to worry about getting yanked for throwing an interception or two.
He doesn’t want to keep constantly wondering, “Who’s the quarterback?”
“We’re tired of that and I’m tired of it,” said Spurrier, who started both Chris Smelley and now-departed Blake Mitchell at times last season. “It’s time to get one of those guys.”
Tuberville’s own quarterback remains TBA. Sophomore Kodi Burns and junior college transfer Chris Todd are vying to replace three-year starter Brandon Cox.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Chris Todd is not our starting quarterback,” Tuberville said. “Kodi would be as of today, but Chris has worked very hard.”
Despite that unsettled position, the Tigers were picked by reporters covering the league to win the SEC Western Division over defending national champion LSU. LSU lost its presumed starter when coach Les Miles booted Ryan Perrilloux from the team, creating a race between Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch and redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee.
si.com
7/25/08
