After a frustrating loss to No. 9 Texas A&M that saw only one Gamecock touchdown, considering making a change at quarterback is a reasonable response. Nevertheless, Perry Orth should not take Brandon McIlwain’s place as starting quarterback.
Statistically, neither quarterback stands out as an obvious starter. McIlwain has completed about 53 percent of his passes, while Orth has completed about 57 percent. McIlwain has a pass efficiency rating of 102.10, while Orth’s rating is 111.73. Both have thrown one interception.
When two quarterbacks appear about equal on paper, age should be the tiebreaker.
McIlwain has almost four seasons left to build his game and develop maturity. As a senior, Orth has most likely reached his ceiling, and any improvements he does make over the course of this season will be useless to the Gamecocks next year.
If Orth can transform from a walk-on to a viable option for starting quarterback over four years, imagine what McIlwain, a four-star recruit, can do in the same amount of time.
The state of Gamecock football lends itself to starting a freshman quarterback. There is no better season to take a chance.
Right now, South Carolina stands 2-3, just a last-minute field goal away from being winless in the SEC. The Gamecocks' remaining opponents include three Top-25 teams. To put it simply, a bowl appearance is elusive at best.
The Gamecocks have little to lose and a lot to gain by starting McIlwain. If he makes a few costly mistakes and the Gamecocks end up with some unexpected losses, the average fan will not be much more disappointed. Years from now, this season and the two before it will become a blur of mediocrity for most fans. Taking the opportunity to develop McIlwain into a quarterback that cannot simply play but truly compete in SEC play gives the Gamecocks a chance to have seasons that fans will remember with pride for years to come.
Moreover, head coach Will Muschamp and most of the coaching staff are in their first years in Columbia. Even with the SEC’s coaching climate, one bowl-less season will not put their jobs in jeopardy.
McIlwain should start for the Gamecocks and play the majority of each game. Confidence is key for a quarterback. Taking such a young player out of the starting lineup will make him insecure and negatively affect his ability to lead.
However, Orth should still be a key part of the team’s offensive strategy. The two complement each other. McIlwain is a more mobile quarterback, averaging 20 yards rushing per game, but Orth is a better passer. McIlwain demonstrates impressive composure and leadership for his age, but Orth has already fully developed these qualities and has more experience.
I advise the Gamecocks to take the term “rebuilding year” more literally. Take advantage of lower expectations, and therefore lower pressure, to start building McIlwain into a star quarterback this season.