Connor Shaw will most likely start against ECU

Aug 30, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Conner Shaw (14) scrambles in the backfield against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Gamecocks beat the Commodores 17-13. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE

After practice today Steve Spurrier said Connor Shaw went through Thursday’s entire practice in pads and making throws. Just the other day he said if Shaw could practice Thursday, he would play Saturday.

Most of the players interviewed after the past two practice sessions say Shaw looks like himself when he’s under center (or in the shotgun), so based on the past few sentences of this post, it looks like he’s going to play against ECU.

Spurrier also said Dylan Thompson, who’s gotten most of the reps with the first team offense this week, will be ready to play.

Shaw completed seven of his 11 passes last week, but couldn’t break 100 yards passing.

This weekend, I firmly believe the Gamecocks have to establish a passing game if they want SEC defenses to take them seriously and not stack the box all game.

Their first SEC opponent, Missouri plays Georgia this weekend, so Carolina fans will get a good idea of how well they defend the pass based on their performance against Aaron Murray.

SC’s wide receivers have to help Shaw out, too. Marcus Lattimore led all Gamecocks in receiving last week and that’s not going to win games in conference play. Ace Sanders, D.L. Moore and Bruce Ellington have to take some pressure off their QB. Also, Spurrier should give Shaq Roland some playing time. He could become USC’s best deep threat this year.