COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina fans weren't the only ones

to appreciate the breakout performance of quarterback Chris

Smelley.

The Gamecock sophomore was picked Monday as the Southeastern

Conference's player of the week on offense.

Smelley threw for three touchdowns and a career-high 327 yards

in a 31-24 victory at Mississippi on Saturday. Smelley connected on

22 of his 32 throws.

Smelley has started the past five games, although many Gamecock

supporters were eager to see backup Stephen Garcia play instead.

Smelley removed all doubt about the starting job for this week's

trip to Kentucky.

Smelley has nine touchdown passes, tied for the most among SEC

quarterbacks. He's hit on better than 63 percent of his throws, the

second best percentage in the league.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)