Former grad assistant named South Carolina starting QB

South Carolina named Zeb Noland its starting quarterback for the season opener Saturday against Eastern Illinois, according to ESPN's Chris Low.

Noland joined coach Shane Beamer's staff as a graduate assistant but is now set to replace starting passer Luke Doty, who suffered a left foot injury during preseason camp.

Noland played seven games last season with North Dakota State, who bowed out of the FCS playoff quarterfinals this spring.

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound pivot threw for 721 yards and five touchdowns against six interceptions.

Prior to joining the Bison, Noland began his collegiate career with Iowa State. He passed for 1,255 yards and six touchdowns while completing 60% of his attempts. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

The grad assistant had been splitting reps with redshirt senior Jason Brown, who transferred to South Carolina from St. Francis in Pennsylvania.