Spencer Rattler thriving at end of season at South Carolina

When Spencer Rattler signed with South Carolina, the potential for a super-nova-level kind of game was always there.

Consider that star mulched into dust now. 

The Gamecocks’ quarterback exploded for over 430 yards of offense and became one of just 16 data points since 2000 where a passer has thrown for 430 yards while completing at least 80 percent of his passes and tossing six scores. 

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But that game–his Mona Lisa to date at South Carolina–was the cherry on top of what has been a strong end to the season for Rattler. 

“I think our personnel groups, we lowered them. We didn’t have as many subbing in and out the game. We played fast, we didn’t have to look over to the sideline a lot, we called plays and trusted them. It was simple stuff we were repping throughout the week. Everyone knew it. We were all on the same page and we were rolling, rolling and rolling. 

Over the last three weeks–road games against Vanderbilt and Florida plus Saturday in Williams-Brice–he’s playing arguably his best ball since transferring. 

In that span Rattler is completing 74.4 percent of his passes for 8.9 yards per attempt with nine touchdowns. Comparatively, in seven previous games against FBS competition he was completing 62.4 percent of his passes for an average of 7.2 yards per attempt and three scores.

Pro Football Focus had him at seven big-time throws in the last three weeks. Rattler had nine through those seven games. 

The biggest development, though, has been protecting the ball while still creating for his teammates. 

Through the first seven games Rattler threw seven picks with 8.1 percent of his passes considered turnover-worthy plays by PFF. The lats three weeks Rattler hasn’t thrown an interception and hasn’t had a turnover-worthy play. 

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“You go back and look at those interceptions, a lot were deflected balls and things of that nature. There were some dead on him and some that if it hits you in the face you have to catch the ball. It can’t go to the other team. There were things we focused on,” Marcus Satterfield said.

“The more he understands the timing he can play with now because he’s understanding the offense. That’s going to be huge this week. We can’t put the ball in danger.”

With Rattler in the zone, the offense followed to the tune of 606 yards and 63 points. 

And the Gamecocks (7-4, 4-4 SEC) will need him to be in a similar zone to go on the road and upset Clemson. 

As of Wednesday, it’s been so far so good for Rattler. 

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“You’re going to make me jinx people…Yesterday he had a great day. He probably threw 60 to 65 balls and only one hit the ground and it was a drop. Today he’s out there with maybe not as high a completion percentage but he’s so locked in,” Satterfield said.

“It’s fun to watch him because he’s comfortable being a football guy and being in this offense. He knows the answers to this offense now and issues. It’s a product of a lot of hard work he’s done himself, non-required hours he’s spent learning his skillset and developing his brain. So tis’ fun to watch him out there.” 

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