Spurrier Says Shaw’s Practice Today Will Determine USC’s Starting QB For UAB

South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw missed last Saturday’s blowout win over East Carolina with badly bruised throwing shoulder.  Depending on how that shoulder holds up today in practice, Shaw will either start or sit versus UAB in two days.

Steve Spurrier said yesterday that he will have to “see if he can throw full-go Thursday before we’ll know if Connor is able to play.”

“If he can throw it down the field without any pain, he’ll start Saturday night.  If he can’t throw anything but screen passes, I think we’ve got to let (Dylan Thompson) play.”

Spurrier has been quick to say that the starting job will go back to Shaw when he’s fit.  But after Thompson’s passing performance last Saturday — 27-of-31 for 330 yards and three touchdowns — it’s a good bet Shaw fears being Wally Pipp’d in Columbia.  (Look it up.)

Meanwhile, receiver Damiere Byrd told The Charleston Post & Courier that Shaw “is looking good” and is “getting better.”