A lingering injury to starter Connor Shaw set the stage for some late-game heroics for backup Dylan Thompson. That same injury will also give Thompson a leg up in what’s expected to be yet another battle for South Carolina’s starting quarterback job.
Shaw will undergo surgery on his injured left foot Friday, USC confirmed Thursday to the Charleston Post & Courier, and in the words of a school spokesperson is “not expected to be available for spring ball.” The team’s doctor is expected to give additional details Friday on Shaw’s procedure and his prognosis for both the short- and long-term.
The true junior QB originally suffered the injury in late October and, after playing the next two games, was held out of the regular-season finale against Clemson after he aggravated it the week before in the scrimmage against Wofford.
Since taking over for Stephen Garcia midway through the 2011 season, Shaw has gone 17-3 as a starter.
Thompson started two games this season due to Shaw’s injury issues. Shaw suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener, with Thompson starting the following week. Thompson also started the in-state rivalry game against the Tigers.