South Carolina QB Luke Doty opens up on relationship with Spencer Rattler

Spencer Rattler runs the show at South Carolina in the quarterback room, but Luke Doty is pretty tight with the Gamecocks’ starter. Doty opened up on his relationship with Rattler after the two bonded during the offseason.

Rattler transferred from Oklahoma becoming the new guy on campus. But he was well received by his fellow quarterback.

“I mean, I think he’s done everything like a pro,” Doty said of Rattler. “You know, the way that he handled things when he first got here, how we went through camp, and really how we went through the season. You know, me and him got pretty tight just coming in every single day from the beginning of the week, Monday to Friday, in the hotel. You know, we both felt like we always had a great game plan that we were ready and prepared for whoever we were facing during the week. 

“So just being able to go through that with him. And him helping me out and me helping him out, that’s something that I’m never gonna forget and I’ve got his back no matter what. And I know he has mine. So like I said, whatever happens he’s gonna do great, he’s gonna be awesome in the bowl game, and we’re just gonna go out there have some fun and make plays.”

Doty appeared in just four games this season, completing 10-of-14 passes for 146 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. In his career, he is 139-of-228 passing (61%) for 1,526 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.

But regardless of the pecking order at the moment, Doty is very excited to have his team compete in a noteworthy postseason game.

“I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun,” Doty said. “I think like I said, we talked about it this morning,  it’s a historic bowl, just like you said. And it’s something that … I know we’ve been to this bowl before, but it’s been a long time since we’ve been in this caliber of bowl. So I think we’re all just really excited to get down there, to be a part of something that special and that unique. 

“You know, we’re playing a great Notre Dame team, but we’ll be ready for them and like I said, it’s just gonna be a fun week. We’re gonna do everything we can to prepare the right way, but also enjoy our time down there and continue to get closer as a team.”

No. 20 South Carolina (8-4) takes on No. 19 Notre Dame (8-4) in the Gator Bowl Dec. 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET.