Spurrier struggles to find QB to spark South Carolina's offense

The passing game is far from the only area sinking South Carolina's offense.

The offensive line has been inconsistent all year long and the Gamecocks lead the SEC with 30 sacks allowed.

"We're just struggling a little bit up front right now," said John Hunt, offensive line coach for all of Spurrier's four years at South Carolina.

South Carolina's run game ranks at the very bottom of the 12-team SEC at a little more than 100 yards a game. The Gamecocks managed 39 yards against LSU, with the mobile Garcia getting the most carries with 19.

Senior Mike Davis is the team's top rusher with 377 yards, an average of about 54 yards a game. Spurrier had hoped sophomore Brian Maddox or newcomer Eric Baker might show some moves, power or speed to make a difference. But the ineffectiveness has led Spurrier to consider using highly regarded freshman Kenny Miles, who coaches had hoped to redshirt this year.

Spurrier said injuries have slowed his backs, too. Davis has been hampered after he had fluid drained off his knee, Spurrier said.

"Heck, if we were playing this weekend, we'd have to suit up Kenny Miles," Spurrier said. "Forget about redshirting, let him go be the starter. He's the lone healthy one right now."

Spurrier thought Davis would be ready for the home game against Tennessee on Nov. 1.

By then maybe he'll have somebody, even Garcia, ready to play the way Spurrier wants.

"Hopefully, we can teach Stephen every now then to throw it away instead of running out of there," Spurrier said. "That was a problem."