Connor Mitch Named South Carolina's Starting QB over Perry Orth

Head coach Steve Spurrier announced on Tuesday that Connor Mitch will be the team's starting quarterback for the opening game against North Carolina, according to David Cloninger of GoGamecocks.com.

The redshirt sophomore appeared in just two games last season, completing two of six passes for 19 yards. He beat out Perry Orth and Michael Scarnecchia, who were also vying for the starting job and apparently made the decision difficult for Spurrier, who waited well through the summer to make one. 

Combined, the three quarterbacks have attempted nine passes in their collegiate careers. Heading into the season, the player with the most pass attempts was wide receiver Pharoh Cooper with 11, so the Gamecocks were always going to have an inexperienced quarterback calling the shots.

Mitch is likely to concede at least some snaps to talented freshman Lorenzo Nunez, however. Nunez is a dangerous running threat and will likely have certain packages built around his skill set this season, and Spurrier already confirmed he'll play some role in the offense this season, via David Caraviello of the Post and Courier.

But Mitch was always the favorite to win this gig, and now he'll have to prove he can replace last year's starter, Dylan Thompson, as South Carolina looks to win the always-stacked SEC. Going from the accomplished Thompson to the relatively inexperienced Mitch will certainly be a major adjustment for the program.