Auburn and South Carolina Name New Starters at Quarterback

After a disappointing three weeks to open the season, both South Carolina and Auburn have named new starting quarterbacks for this Saturday. According to usatoday.com, redshirt freshman Sean White will take over for Jeremy Johnson for Auburn; freshman Lorenzo Nunez will replace former walk-on Perry Orth.

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The clear surprise here is Sean White taking over Auburn’s starting job in week 4. It is not a surprise due to this season’s results; it is surprising due to the hype Johnson was getting before the season. Just google “Jeremy Johnson Hesiman” and you’ll get article after article about Jeremy Johnson’s potential, Heisman hype and how he would make Auburn better due to his elevated (when comparted to Nick Marshall) passing abilities. You’ll also find plenty of articles about how he now has zero chance of winning the prestigious award this year.

So far this season, Johnson has competed only 59.7% of his passes for only 473 yards, along with 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He has not made up for his inconsistent (at best) quarterback play with his legs. He has yet to have a game in which he averaged more than 3.4 yards a carry or totaled more than 41 yards.

Enter Sean White. Accrording to usatoday.com, White is a former 4 star recruit out of University School in Fort Laudedale, FL. He was also ranked as the 8^th best pro style quarterback in the country by 247sports. After preparing a team all offseason for a dual threat quarterback, the transition to a pro style QB will be interesting, to say the least.

The not nearly as surprising move here is South Carolina’s move to bench Perry Orth. After original starter Connor Mitch was lost for the season against Kentucky, former walk on Perry Orth was named the starter. No one was sure how long it would last . . . and we now know the is now not long.

Orth completed only 53.8% of his passes for 269 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Freshman Lorenzo Nunez has gotten the call and does not have enough statistics to even begin making a judgment about. Against Georgia, Nunez hit 4 of 5 passes for 18 yards. The promising side, though, is that he rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Usatoday.com quoted Steve Spurrier as seeing things the same way when he said “Lorenzo gives us maybe a little spark in there that we need offensively.”

Which quarterback will be more successful? That is tough to call. With Nunez having an easier schedule and the ability to use his feet, however, my money is on Nunez having the most immediate success.

Next: Depth of Ole Miss to be Tested in 2015

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