Spurrier Pleased with Gamecocks Passing

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - For one game, South Carolina's head ball coach showed off his old game plan.

Steve Spurrier said Sunday he was pleased that backup quarterback Dylan Thompson got the ball away and finally gave Gamecock receivers the chance to make plays.

Thompson threw for 330 yards in a 48-10 victory over East Carolina on Saturday. Thompson played for injured starter Connor Shaw.

Spurrier did not expect Shaw to practice much before Wednesday, meaning Thompson could get his second straight start this weekend against Alabama-Birmingham.

Spurrier said Saturday after the victory there was no quarterback debate and the job was Shaw's when he was healthy. Spurrier said Sunday he'd wait and see if Thompson's performance earned him additional time under center for the Gamecocks (2-0) once Shaw came back.