The Gamecocks (5-1, 3-1 SEC) certainly no longer have any quarterback controversy after senior Stephen Garcia was finally booted off the team this week. Garcia, who had been suspended five times in his career, reportedly tested positive for marijuana and alcohol. When Garcia was reinstated to the team, he was forbidden from any alcohol (and obviously drugs).

Garcia started 34 games in his career, including four this season. But he lost his job before last week’s 54-3 blowout win over Kentucky for Connor Shaw. And all Shaw did was throw for 311 yards and four TDs as USC rolled up 639 yards, the most under Coach Steve Spurrier. RB Marcus Lattimore got back on track with 102 yards on 22 carries.

Mississippi State (3-3, 0-3) was supposed to be a sleeper contender in the SEC West this year but has flopped in SEC play, mostly on offense. Last week in a non-conference game vs. UAB, MSU was down 3-0 at the half. So Coach Dan Mullen pulled starting QB Chris Relf after he had completed 6 of 10 passes for 46 yards and rushed for only 12 yards on five carries. Backup Tyler Russell came to the rescue, completing 11 of 13 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns, and led the Bulldogs to a 21-3 victory. Mullen has yet to say who starts this week, although Relf claims he is.

Despite being conference foes, USC and MSU don’t play much – only 11 times since the Gamecocks joined the SEC. The last meeting was in 2007.

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