News:Connor Shaw (foot) completed 18-of-24 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan in the Outback Bowl on Tuesday. He also rushed 10 times for 96 yards, but exited late in the fourth quarter after re-injuring his foot.
Analysis: Dylan Thompson threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Bruce Ellington, and there may be a quarterback controversy brewing next season in Columbia.
News:Connor Shaw (foot) is expected to play against Michigan in the Outback Bowl on January 1, USA Today reports.
Analysis:Connor Shaw missed South Carolina's game against Clemson on November 24 due to the injury. He finished an injury-plagued regular season with 1,732 yards passing, 339 yards rushing and 18 total touchdowns.
News:Connor Shaw (foot) did not play at Clemson on Saturday.
Analysis: The junior quarterback suffered a sprained foot against Wofford one week earlier.
News:Connor Shaw (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against Clemson, CBS Sports reports.
Analysis: It generally appears as if Connor Shaw should have a good shot at playing since he practiced Wednesday. It would be best to start another quarterback this week, though.
News:Connor Shaw completed 16-of-20 passes for 122 yards, one touchdown and one INT against Wofford on Saturday.
Analysis:Connor Shaw managed just 18 yards rushing for the game in a surprisingly poor fantasy performance against an inferior opponent.
News:Connor Shaw (foot) completed 14-of-22 passes for 272 yards for two touchdowns and one interception against Arkansas on Saturday.
Analysis:Connor Shaw also had a rushing touchdown in the contest. He makes for a great start against Wofford next week.
News:Connor Shaw sprained his foot against Tennessee and was bothered by the injury in Monday's practice, but improved later in the week and is expected to start against Arkansas, the Greenville Village reports.
Analysis: It doesn't look like this is an injury to be too worried about.
News:Connor Shaw completed 22-of-32 passes for 356 yards, three touchdowns and one INT against Tennessee on Saturday, while also rushing 18 times for 33 yards and another score.
Analysis:Connor Shaw tormented the Vols all game long, producing a career-high in passing yards. With Marcus Lattimore (knee) likely out for the foreseeable future, the Gamecocks should rely even more on Shaw's skill set. South Carolina faces Arkansas next on November 10.
News: Despite the benching of Connor Shaw last week at Florida, coach Steve Spurrier confirmed that Shaw will start against Tennessee on Saturday, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: "In all likelihood, Connor will go back to starting unless something happens during the week," Spurrier said. "We are still trying to get Connor to throw a little bit more when it's there, but Connor, I think with his ability to run, certainly helps our running game. And every Gamecock alive knows we need to run the ball." Connor Shaw has had a rollercoaster season thus far in 2012, though should benefit from facing a Volunteer defense that is last in the SEC in both scoring defense and total defense.
News:Connor Shaw completed just 9-of-20 passes for 72 yards at Florida on Saturday and was benched in the second half by coach Steve Spurrier.
Analysis:Connor Shaw's replacement, Dylan Thompson, fared no better against the dominant Florida defense, completing 8-of-20 passes for 83 yards and an interception. Shaw should still be the starter next week against Tennessee, but monitor the situation heading into next weekend.
News:Connor Shaw was 19-of-34 for 177 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions at LSU on Saturday.
Analysis:Connor Shaw could not impact the game from a running perspective, and doubled his interception total for the season. He has another difficult task next weekend at Florida.
News:Connor Shaw was 6-for-10 for 162 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia on Saturday, while also rushing 14 times for 78 yards and another score.
Analysis:Connor Shaw has now thrown at least two touchdowns in each of his last three games. He faces a difficult task at LSU next week, though.
News:Connor Shaw completed 15-of-18 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns at Kentucky on Saturday, while also rushing 19 times for 76 yards.
Analysis:Connor Shaw has now completed an absurd 35-of-39 passes over his last two contests. South Carolina hosts Georgia next weekend.
News:Connor Shaw completed 20-of-21 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns Saturday against Mizzou, while also rushing 12 times for 41 yards.
Analysis:Connor Shaw completed 20-straight passes at one point, dismantling the Tigers in the 31-10 rout.
South Carolina's Shaw (shoulder) To Start Saturday Vs. Missouri
News:Connor Shaw (shoulder) will get the start against Missouri on Saturday, SI.com reports.
Analysis: Head coach Steve Spurrier said that the gameplan won't have Connor Shaw running any less because of the injury, but he did leave open the possibility of Dylan Thompson getting some playing time. If Shaw struggles early, don't be surprised if Spurrier turns to Thompson.
News:Connor Shaw left Saturday's win over UAB late in the second quarter after aggravating a shoulder injury, ESPN reports. He took a hit to his throwing shoulder where he was hurt in the team's first game.
Analysis:Connor Shaw said after the game he wasn't sure he could play next week, so he may miss a game or two.
News:Connor Shaw (shoulder) did not play against East Carolina last week and his status for Saturday's game against UAB is uncertain, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: You should consider Connor Shaw questionable for now, and know that he could easily be a game-time decision. The Gamecocks are expected to win by a comfortable margin regardless of his status, so the team may elect to take a cautious approach. Dylan Thompson will start at quarterback if Shaw doesn't play.
South Carolina's Shaw Throws, But Status Still Unknown
News:Connor Shaw (shoulder) threw the football around Wednesday, but did not participate in practice, the Greenville News reports.
Analysis: "We'll find [out] maybe (Thursday) if he can throw the ball," said [coach Steve] Spurrier. "If he can't, Dylan Thompson will be the starter with a couple other guys behind him ready to go." Keep Connor Shaw reserved until a determination is made for this week's tilt with East Carolina.
Spurrier Says QB Shaw (Shoulder) Will Miss Next Few Days of Practice
News: South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier says Connor Shaw (shoulder) can barely lift his right arm and will miss at least the next few days of practice, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Spurrier said Sunday that Connor Shaw's status is "wait and see right now." Though the good news is that USC's starting quarterback did not suffer damage to a shoulder joint, but instead, a deep bone bruise, Shaw not being set to practice again until next Wednesday leaves his status for next week's home opener against East Carolina in jeopardy.
News:Connor Shaw (shoulder) completed 7-of-11 passes for just 67 yards and one INT at Vanderbilt on Thursday, but rushed 14 times for 92 yards and led the Gamecocks to victory after briefly leaving with a right shoulder contusion.
Analysis:Connor Shaw's leadership was on display Thursday, gutting out the victory for South Carolina despite being in obvious pain. His fantasy stats were clearly lacking, but expect better results on September 8 against East Carolina, assuming he's deemed healthy.
News: After leaving in the second quarter with a right shoulder contusion, Connor Shaw returned to Thursday's game against Vanderbilt in the third quarter.
Analysis:Connor Shaw is presumably playing through some pain right now, so hopefully he can avoid re-injury.
News:Connor Shaw went to the locker room before halftime of Thursday's game at Vanderbilt due to a right shoulder contusion, the Associated Press Top 25 reports.
Analysis: This would obviously be a huge blow to the Gamecocks if their starter is not available for the second half and beyond. The Gamecocks are expecting a lot from Connor Shaw and are otherwise thin at the quarterback position. Sophomore Dylan Thompson is Shaw's backup. Thompson has thrown just two passes in his career at South Carolina.
South Carolina's Shaw Misses Practice With Sore Back
News:Connor Shaw missed practice Thursday because of back spasms, but is expected to play in the season opener at Vanderbilt, ESPN reports.
Analysis: This injury sounds minor, but monitor his progress next week.
News: South Carolina receiver Bruce Ellington was the star of the receiving corps, not Alshon Jeffery, as the Gamecocks beat rival Clemson. Ellington caught three passes for 71 yards and a score while Jeffery also reached the end zone.
Analysis: Expect Jeffery to likely jump to the NFL while Ellington should be a top target for Connor Shaw for the next couple of years.
News: It took a team from another division to make South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw look like a good passer again as the he threw for 217 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick against The Citadel. Shaw also added 90 yards rushing and a fourth score.
Analysis: Shaw will have a much harder task of moving the ball against Clemson next week so he should be sat.
News: South Carolina has found some success with their ground game despite not having Marcus Lattimore, and it is partially due to the emergence of Brandon Wilds as a workhorse back. Wilds can carry the load and gets help from the rushing ability of quarterback Connor Shaw.
Analysis: Wilds will see plenty of carries against The Citadel which makes him a nice start during the playoffs.
News: With Connor Shaw managing just 81 yards passing and a pick, you may wonder how the Gamecocks managed to beat Florida. The Fun 'N Gun has switched to a ground attack as Shaw rushed for 88 yards and two scores while Brandon Wilds carried the ball 29 times for 120 yards.
Analysis: Wilds is a great start next week against Citadel while Shaw should take to the air a bit more. With this new found ground surge, we can put to rest any chance of production from Alshon Jeffery though.
News: After suffering a concussion last week against Arkansas, South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw has been medically cleared and should suit up against Florida.
Analysis: This is a huge boost for the Gamecock offense but they are by no means out of the woods as Shaw has struggled recently.
News: South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw sustained a concussion in the final moments of the Arkansas game and is currently listed as questionable against Florida.
Analysis: If Shaw is a no-go, the Gamecocks could be in some real trouble as the offense hasn't been necessarily spectacular with him healthy. Regardless of his health, sit Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Wilds this weekend.
News: While he was able to get in the end zone twice on the ground, South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw could only muster 128 yards and an interception through the air as the Gamecocks could not put away Arkansas.
Analysis: Shaw is starting to make people wonder if he was that much better than Stephen Garcia. Shaw has plenty of weapons around him but just needs to distribute the ball effectively.
News: While the Vols are reeling with all the injuries they have faced, the Gamecocks still have a star in Alshon Jeffery who could come up big this weekend as long as Connor Shaw feeds him the ball regularly.
Analysis: Jeffery is a decent play this weekend, but I wouldn't go with Shaw if you have another option.
News: With Kenny Miles and Eric Baker listed as questionable, South Carolina freshman running back Brandon Wilds will get the start against Tennessee.
Analysis: If Connor Shaw can put up some decent play, then Wilds could have a solid day. But for those dejected Marcus Lattimore owners, don't put too much stock in this youngster.
News: South Carolina tight end Justice Cunningham is currently listed as questionable for this weekend's game against Tennessee as he is recovering from a calf injury.
Analysis: Cunningham could be a nice target for Connor Shaw and is also a valued blocker for the ground game. With no Marcus Lattimore, the Gamecocks need everyone back to health and ready to step up.
News: As Connor Shaw goes so goes Alshon Jeffery obviously, so when the South Carolina quarterback barely cleared 150 passing yards, Jeffery was only able to muster five catches for 24 yards and a score.
Analysis: Jeffery is still a dangerous red zone option, but from this point on is not a must start every week.
News: Last week, South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw looked more like Danny Wuerrfel than a Gamecock quarterback as he threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns. This week, Shaw faces the nation's 20th best passing defense from Mississippi State so this will show us how he handles himself against SEC talent.
Analysis: Shaw is still relatively unproven so it is probably best to bench him this week.
News:Stephen Garcia's much maligned tenure at South Carolina has come to an end as the signal caller has been dismissed from the team for failing to follow reinstatement guidelines.
Analysis: Garcia just could not put it all together off the field which leaves the job solely to Connor Shaw.
News: South Carolina tight end Justice Cunningham had just five catches heading into the game against Kentucky, but he finished the win with five more for 46 yards and a score.
Analysis: The emergence of Connor Shaw meant a lot more work for many guys in the receiving corps, so if Shaw remains the starter, Cunningham could be a nice pickup.
News: The convincing win over Kentucky must have been bittersweet for South Carolina's Stephen Garcia as he watched his replacement, Connor Shaw, throw for 311 yards and an impressive four touchdowns.
Analysis: Shaw looked excellent against the Wildcats, who were abysmal. Safe to say that Shaw has at least earned himself another start.
News: South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw is getting the start against Kentucky this weekend which makes anyone but Marcus Lattimore a somewhat risky play even against a meager opponent.
Analysis: Expect a high dose of Lattimore and quite a few targets to Alshon Jeffery for the young signal caller. Jeffery owners should feel alright in starting him even with a new quarterback.
News: South Carolina will start Connor Shaw at quarterback Saturday against Kentucky, over embattled senior Stephen Garcia.
Analysis: The timing is right, as Garcia gets worse weekly, and the lowly Wildcats come calling. Shaw didn't set the world on fire earlier this season against East Carolina, but if he can limit his mistakes, this is good news for running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Now would be an ideal time to buy low on Jeffery.
News: After yet another uninspiring performance from Stephen Garcia, there could be some change on the horizon for the South Carolina quarterback position. Head coach Steve Spurrier says "If we have any changes, we’ll announce them Monday or Tuesday."
Analysis: For Garcia owners, you may want to snag Connor Shaw just to be safe.
News: South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia led his team to victory over East Carolina despite not starting and has since been named the starter for the Georgia game.
Analysis: Fellow quarterback Connor Shaw admits that Garcia should be the starter, so, unless Garcia bombs, there is no more controversy at the position.
News: After starting the season opener, South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw was quickly benched in favor of Stephen Garcia, who rushed for two scores but underwhelmed in the passing game. Head coach Steve Spurrier was openly displeased about the mere 10 completions his team had against East Carolina.
Analysis: Even though the quarterback play needs improving, it is a done deal that Garcia is the team's starter from here on.
News: South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw got the start but it was Stephen Garcia who got the win as the Gamecocks down East Carolina. Garcia finished with just 110 yards passing and an interception but rushed for 56 yards and two scores. Shaw completed 3-of-9 passes for 21 yards.
Analysis: The day's performance has most likely shown Steve Spurrier that Garcia is worthy of the starting job.
News: In a twist that completely fits the likes of Steve Spurrier, Connor Shaw has been named the starting quarterback for South Carolina's season opener against East Carolina.
Analysis: For Stephen Garcia owners out there, this could be bad. While it will only take an error or two for Shaw to be benched, Garcia could end up getting Wally Pipp-ed.
News: Despite being the overwhelming favorite to win the starting job, Stephen Garcia will split snaps with Connor Shaw when the Gamecocks face off against East Carolina.
Analysis: Shaw performed very well this spring and it looks like the Ole Ball Coach is going to continue the competition right into the start of the season.
News: According to Steve Spurrier, both Stephen Garcia and Connor Shaw will play in the season opener against East Carolina.
Analysis: Garcia owners should have little cause to worry as this type of faith in his quarterbacks is nothing new for Spurrier.
News: With most of the defensive linemen out, South Carolina quarterbacks Stephen Garcia and Connor Shaw enjoyed productive passing days. Garcia finished with 136 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 9-of-13 passing while Shaw completed 8-of-9 passes for 100 yards and a score.
Analysis: Shaw is certainly doing his best to unseat the senior signal caller, but Garcia should get the nod for the opener against East Carolina.
News: After missing time with a thumb injury, South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw has rejoined the battle for the starting job against incumbent Stephen Garcia.
Analysis: It is a foregone conclusion that Garcia will keep his job, but Shaw adds quality depth to the position.
News: South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw dislocated his thumb during the scrimmage on Wednesday and should be out for the next few days. Before leaving the scrimmage, Shaw completed 6-of-11 passes for 192 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Analysis: This is not good for Shaw as he is currently trying to steal the starting job away from Stephen Garcia.
News: Underclassmen Damiere Byrd, Bruce Ellington, and Connor Shaw shined in South Carolina's latest scrimamge. Shaw finished with 142 yards passing and two scores including a 65-yard scoring strike to Byrd. Ellington was a playmaker with three carries for 20 yards out of the Wildcat while also snaring three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Marcus Lattimore was the toast of Columbia last year but there is a new class on campus and they are turning heads. The Gamecocks could be even more dangerous this year.
News: Despite Stephen Garcia being reinstated and being the popular choice to be the starting quarterback this year, Connor Shaw is still battling for the starting job.
Analysis: Garcia will be the starter, but, as we have seen with Mr. Spurrier, it only takes one slip up for the No. 2 to see the field.
News: At SEC media days, South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier once again lauded Connor Shaw in light of Stephen Garcia this time saying "He may get beaten out by [sophomore] Connor Shaw. We’re going to have a competition. I guess everyone assumes Stephen is going to be the quarterback if he’s there. But we’ll see. We’ll see how Connor performs in preseason and how Stephen performs and go from there."
Analysis: This one actually makes sense though as Garcia is still technically suspended. Whoever starts for the Gamecocks will take a licking from opposing defenses but will also have to deal with a tongue lashing from his own head coach.
News: Shaw was 4-for-5 for 32 yards and a TD on Saturday against Southern Miss, while also rushing seven times for 31 yards.
Analysis: The true freshman stole some snaps from incumbent Stephen Garcia, but it remains to be seen if Coach Steve Spurrier will actually shift Shaw into the starting role this season.
Shaw Posts Better Numbers Than Garcia in Scrimmage
News: Shaw, a true freshman, outplayed incumbent under center Stephen Garcia in a scrimmage held this past weekend, hitting 13-of-20 for 135 yards and two touchdowns versus Garcia's 7-of-14 for 76 yards and a single passing score, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Spurrier's displeasure with Garcia as a quarterback is well-documented, but few took seriously comments Spurrier made over the summer that Shaw was talented enough to take over the starting role from Garcia heading into the 2010 season. Apparently, there was more truth in those statements than initially thought; Shaw, after all, has in all three of South Carolina's scrimmages this fall outproduced Garcia. Garcia remains scheduled to play in the Gamecocks' opener on September 2 against Southern Miss, but, says Spurrier, will now at least split time with Shaw under center. Depending on how well he plays in that game-time situation, the door to taking over for Garcia at quarterback could open much sooner than expected for Shaw, with Spurrier looking to develop new talent in the freshman rather than hoping Garcia finally develops into the player he initially looked to be.
