South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw hurt his shoulder this past weekend against UCF and was expected to be out three weeks, but his recovery has gone so well that he might start against Kentucky on Saturday, Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said on Tuesday.
The senior left the game against the Knights in the first quarter and was taken to the locker room. He returned with his right arm in a sling and ice on his shoulder. Nonetheless, Shaw practiced on Monday night and apparently threw the ball 60 yards.
A starting quarterback won’t be decided on until later in the week, once Shaw has been worked out a bit more. Shaw has completed 65 percent of his passes this year for 665 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. He’s also rushed for 232 yards. He is 20-4 during his career as the Gamecocks’ starter.
If Shaw can’t go, junior Dylan Thompson will once again fill in. He went 15 of 32 for 261 yards and a pick relieving Shaw against UCF.
No matter who starts, South Carolina should be able to get by Kentucky, which is struggling at 1-3.