Gamecocks Outback Bowl Aftermath: Connor Shaw Surgery and a brewing QB Controversy

January 1, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw (14) works out prior to the 2013 Outback Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The South Carolina Gamecocks won the Outback Bowl in dramatic fashion and against heavily striped resistance, but they lost their starting quarterback through at least the Spring Practice session.

Connor Shaw is having surgery on his left foot today, and he won’t be back until after the Spring.

That leaves Dylan Thompson to take all the starting QB snaps until at least Summer.

So, does that mean the Gamecocks have a real quarterback controversy brewing right now?

Well, sort of.

For one, you can bet your bottom dollar that both Thompson and Shaw will play next season.

Also, you can bet there will be debates all up and down campus about who will be the best guy to lead the team through one of their easier schedules since they started winning all these games every year.

Finally, with Thompson running the show this Spring, you can bet he has the shot to win over a number of fans and even teammates while Shaw sits on the sidelines.

However… Connor Shaw will be a senior next season. Steve Spurrier loves his seniors (see his propensity to roll with Kenny Miles over Mike Davis so much this year). Steve Spurrier knows the 2013 schedule is the easiest he’s faced since he’s had a team good enough to compete for the SEC Title.

There is certainly going to be a quarterback controversy this off season, but if Connor Shaw isn’t the starter on day one, something dramatic will have happened between now and then.