State of the QB's

USC

Do not confuse me for one in the crowd of many shouting for Stephen Garcia to get his first start as quarterback for South Carolina on Saturday. I said during the summer it is in South Carolina's best interest for Tommy Beecher to start every game through the season. Unfortunately 4 interceptions, a bum shoulder, and an intestinal infection have all played a part in preventing that from happening (I'll leave it up to you decide which one of those issues carries the most weight).

Additionally, it was not in South Carolina's best interest for Stephen Garcia to start at any point in the season. During The Open Mike Season Preview Lee and I both agreed that if that occurred, that meant the season was in peril. It is, and if you don't agree with me then why is Steve Spurrier hosting a tryout for the entire offense four weeks into the season?

However, I am looking forward to finding out what Garcia can do. Maybe he's the answer. Maybe not. He's been a great unknown, untapped potential. Sounds like Spurrier is about to tap into it, like opening the last present on Christmas? Is Garcia an new XBox, or a Snoopy tie? This season has been an interesting ride, and doesn't look like that's changing any time soon.

Clemson

Cullen Harper is beginning to get a taste of what Tommy Bowden has endured through 10 seasons. Trip up once, and spend the following weeks with questions of whether you can get the job done, and if someone else can do it better.

Harper 2 interceptions against SC State is a cause for concern. That being said, lets do an exercise shall we? Clemson fans need to take their nifty poster schedules out (or any season schedule handy) and put their hand over the Alabama game.........I'll wait............... okay. Take a look at the uncovered games (Citadel, NC State, SC State) and consider how those games played out. Not so concerned now are you?

If the season started in week 2, terms of "rusty" and "getting on the same page" heard instead of the calls for Willy Korn to step in. It is a big "if" and no one should ignore the weaknesses that Alabama exposed. Consider the competition though. Alabama is now a top 10 team that is contending for the SEC West. All that game meant was that Alabama is ready to take the step up in the SEC, and Clemson should thank heavens above they don't have to.

Clemson fans should be concerned if Harper blows it against Maryland at home, and doesn't improve against Wake Forest. Odds are that won't happen, and hopefully the selective memories Clemson fans possess will allow them to move on, and enjoy pretty successful season in Clemson before it passes them by.