Spurrier taking different offense, quarterback to Auburn

COLUMBIA (AP) — So much for South Carolina’s Cock-nfire offense.

The Gamecocks (2-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) may resemble the run-first-andoften teams under previous coach Lou Holtz when redshirt freshman quarterback Antonio Heffner, known more for his running ability than his arm, makes his first start against Auburn (3-1, 1-0) on Saturday at hostile Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Heffner will start in place of pocket passer Blake Mitchell, who suffered a high ankle sprain when he was sacked late in the third quarter against Troy last week.

‘‘It will be a little bit different style of offense from what I’m used to coaching,’’ South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.

Heffner was 6-for-9 for 91 yards passing and also had 45 yards rushing in last week’s 45to-20 win over Troy.

Coming into the game he had just one 12-yard completion, and half of his passing numbers against Troy came on a 45yard touchdown toss to Michael Flint in the fourth quarter with the game already decided.

But Spurrier has confidence in the young quarterback from Memphis, Tenn., and so do his teammates.

‘‘I think if everybody has confidence in him, he’s going to have confidence,’’ said linebacker Marvin Sapp. ‘‘He’s very hard to defend against.’’

Spurrier has said all along that Heffner has a good arm, he just hasn’t been given the chance. His passes have a little more zip and he can throw it farther than Mitchell, too, the coach said.

‘‘We’ll go let Antonio throw it around and run it around and see if we can make some plays and stay on the field offensively and slow them down defensively,’’ Spurrier said. ‘‘If we do those things we certainly believe we have a chance to beat Auburn.’’