COLUMBIA — South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier’s preseason message of doing the little things right and avoiding stupid mistakes didn’t really get through to the Gamecock offense for the first three quarters on Thursday night against N.C. State in the season opener in Columbia.

But, an offensive surge late in the third quarter and into the fourth and a defensive shutout was enough to end a 5-game losing streak and lead to a 34-0 victory.

“It was as you know a big struggle up to about the third quarter I guess,” Spurrier said after the game. “I appreciate our fans being patient with our offense and fortunately we seem to have a very good defense.”

USC (1-0) overcame a four-interception performance from junior quarterback Tommy Beecher in his first collegiate start behind an offensive line that struggled early. Beecher was 12-for-22 passing for 106 yards and was sacked five times before leaving with a head injury just before the end of the third quarter.

But up 13-0 heading into the fourth quarter, the offense found itself after Chris Smelley, who was 5-for-5 passing with 92 yards and two touchdowns, replaced Beecher and threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Dion Lecorn in the end zone.

“It was good to be able to get in,” Smelley said. “The offense picked up. I don’t feel like I did anything really all that special. The offensive line stepped up and opened up some holes.”

The first three quarters for USC were mired with mistakes and errors. And N.C State (0-1) wasn’t much better. N.C. State also lost redshirt freshman Russell Wilson in the second quarter after suffering a concussion and played two more quarterbacks — Daniel Evans and Harrison Beck — in hopes of moving the football against a swarming defense that recorded two sacks.

“There are a lot of different things we have to take care of if we’re going to start winning football games,” N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien said. “I think (USC is) an excellent defense. They are powerful.”

Coming into the game, USC knew the defense would carry a heavy load, and it didn’t disappoint. The unit recovered two fumbles and forced three interceptions, holding the Wolfpack to 138 total yards.

“It felt good to go out there and get a shutout in our first win,” USC cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said. “Coach (Ellis) Johnson is a good coach. He says if all eleven get to the ball good things will happen.”

After Smelley’s first touchdown pass, an interception by USC defensive back Stoney Woodson on the Wolfpack’s next possession led to another score. Running back Mike Davis broke off a 50-yard run, capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Taylor Rank. Davis, who set a career mark with that long run, finished the game with 101 yards rushing on 14 carries, 31 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Beecher threw his first three interceptions in first 22 minutes of the game and the last coming in the third quarter. One was thrown over former Westside standout Moe Brown’s head and picked off by Jimmaul Simmons. Linebacker Nate Irving intercepted Beecher three USC drives later with a spectacular one-handed grab in Wolfpack territory. The last two picks were balls thrown up for grabs intended for Brown.

After the game, Spurrier said he’s opening up the quarterback position before next week’s game at Vanderbilt at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.

“We’ll have to watch the tape and analyze to figure out what in the world happened to Tommy,” Spurrier said. “We’ll evaluate that and make a decision on who starts next week.

“Yes it is up for debate right now. We’re going to try to put the best guy out there to win the ball game. If we think Chris Smelley’s the best guy we’re going to put him out there, simple as that.”

Spurrier said Beecher came out with the head injury after feeling woozy and that he didn’t have to make a decision to pull the starter based on performance.

“What ever coach decides to do I’ll be OK with it, but I’d like to play next week,” Smelley said.