Following yet another abysmal performance under center by Stephen Garcia, Steve Spurrier strongly hinted that a change at the position could be coming sooner rather than later.
Monday evening, the hint became a reality as Spurrier announced he has pulled the trigger on another quarterback change, with Connor Shaw replacing Garcia against Kentucky this weekend. And, barring injury, Spurrier’s intention, at least for now, is to allow the sophomore to go the distance against the Wildcats.
“This is his game, it’s his opportunity to go play and we think he’s ready,” Spurrier said in quotes distributed by the team. “We’re going to find out Saturday. Connor had a good practice tonight and, as most everyone knows, our quarterback play has not been as good as we hoped. We’ve got to do something. Maybe some other positions we’re looking at also.
“We’re looking forward to the game against Kentucky. I just ask all the Gamecock fans to give Connor your support the same way you have all the others players here. I think he’s ready to play well. It wasn’t that hard a call. At some point we have to do something to shake up this offense and this is the first step. We’ll see how it goes. It’s Connor’s game. Unless he gets hurt, this is his game.”
Shaw started the opener this season, but was replaced by Garcia after the Gamecocks fell behind East Carolina. Garcia, who had been the starter for the past two-plus season, started each of the next four games, but struggled mightily, throwing just four touchdowns versus nine interceptions. He’s 109th in the country in passing efficiency.
As ineffective and mistake-prone as Garcia has been, Spurrier had no choice but to go back to his Game 1 starter.
“It’s an opportunity I’m willing to take advantage of,” said Shaw. “I think I’m ready to play. I’m excited and we’ll see how it goes this Saturday. I feel confident and I feel like I’m ready to play.”