USC quarterback Connor Shaw finished the 2011 season as one of the hottest passing quarterbacks in the country. That finish, however, has not carried over to the start of this season.
Obviously, the shoulder injury he suffered against Vanderbilt in the season opener has been a major factor. But in his appearance last week against UAB before reinjuring the shoulder, Shaw looked tentative at times. In his first two series, Shaw threw an interception and was sacked twice.
To his credit, he did get better as the half progressed and he threw two touchdown passes before he had to leave.
Dylan Thompson played the second half and and threw for two touchdowns and rushed for a third. Though not as sharp as he was the previous week against East Carolina, Thompson still passed for 177 yards and averaged over 17 yards per completion.
But it will be be Shaw who will get the ball from Spurrier to start Saturday’s game against Missouri and Spurrier said at his weekly news conference Tuesday he has no reservations at all about the decision.
“Last week we didn’t anticipate him (Shaw) running a lot. We probably should have. At times we didn’t run block very well. Maybe they just had a good stunt on that. The run wasn’t very good. There’s no question that running with the ball is what Connor does which makes him a good quarterback. If he plays, he’ll run some. If he can’t run I don’t’ think he’s quite as effective. We believe he’ll be able to run some.”
“Connor is fine. I think he could’ve played the second half the other night. He just had some quick pain right there. I think the trainers halfway told him you’re finished because we were ahead a little bit. I think if he had to play he could’ve played the other night.”
“Dylan has dropped it in there very nicely a few. That throw to Bruce (Ellington) we were telling Bruce you weren’t open very much at all. That was a perfect throw no question about that. The one to Damiere (Byrd) was real good too. Connor (Shaw) is a better passer than he’s shown. He sometimes holds the ball too long. He was a little deliberate a few nights ago. Tentative was the word I used after the game. Hopefully he can get out of that. He needs to take his steps and fire it in there a few times.”
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Spurrier discusses decision to stick with Shaw at QB [2:58]
Shaw season stats: 15-25-2 60% 174 yards 1 TD 115.66 rating
Thompson season stats: 26-50-0 52% 507 yards 5 TDs 170.18 rating
link: http://sportstalkgol...missouri-audio/
Obviously, the shoulder injury he suffered against Vanderbilt in the season opener has been a major factor. But in his appearance last week against UAB before reinjuring the shoulder, Shaw looked tentative at times. In his first two series, Shaw threw an interception and was sacked twice.
To his credit, he did get better as the half progressed and he threw two touchdown passes before he had to leave.
Dylan Thompson played the second half and and threw for two touchdowns and rushed for a third. Though not as sharp as he was the previous week against East Carolina, Thompson still passed for 177 yards and averaged over 17 yards per completion.
But it will be be Shaw who will get the ball from Spurrier to start Saturday’s game against Missouri and Spurrier said at his weekly news conference Tuesday he has no reservations at all about the decision.
“Last week we didn’t anticipate him (Shaw) running a lot. We probably should have. At times we didn’t run block very well. Maybe they just had a good stunt on that. The run wasn’t very good. There’s no question that running with the ball is what Connor does which makes him a good quarterback. If he plays, he’ll run some. If he can’t run I don’t’ think he’s quite as effective. We believe he’ll be able to run some.”
“Connor is fine. I think he could’ve played the second half the other night. He just had some quick pain right there. I think the trainers halfway told him you’re finished because we were ahead a little bit. I think if he had to play he could’ve played the other night.”
“Dylan has dropped it in there very nicely a few. That throw to Bruce (Ellington) we were telling Bruce you weren’t open very much at all. That was a perfect throw no question about that. The one to Damiere (Byrd) was real good too. Connor (Shaw) is a better passer than he’s shown. He sometimes holds the ball too long. He was a little deliberate a few nights ago. Tentative was the word I used after the game. Hopefully he can get out of that. He needs to take his steps and fire it in there a few times.”
Download
0:00
Spurrier discusses decision to stick with Shaw at QB [2:58]
Shaw season stats: 15-25-2 60% 174 yards 1 TD 115.66 rating
Thompson season stats: 26-50-0 52% 507 yards 5 TDs 170.18 rating
link: http://sportstalkgol...missouri-audio/
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