The Great Debate: Connor Shaw

This week we address Connor Shaw’s starting role against Kentucky.

General:

It is time for Connor Shaw.  The rationale that kept Stephen Garcia in the starting quarterback role is no longer there.  That rationale went something like this.  Stephen Garcia is capable of playing well.  We know this because we saw it some last season.  Stephen Garcia isn’t playing well right now, but that should come.  Besides, the team isn’t losing any games, so we can afford to wait on Stephen to come around.  Auburn changed that because we can no longer afford to wait around.  That doesn’t mean that Garcia will never see the field again, but it means it’s Connor Shaw’s chance.

Shaw is getting the chance in part because Garcia wasn’t playing as well as he needed to.  Shaw is also getting the chance because he is good enough to execute on the field.  Some detractors point to Shaw’s 3-9 performance against East Carolina.  Of those 6 incompletions, 2 were drops by the receiver and another was arguably pass interference on the defense.  If he had been 5 of 9 or 6 of 9, which is probably where he deserved to be, he might have already had playing time.  Also, the offense did move with him in the game.  But for two unfortunate fumbles, the offense was clicking.  He has the capability to move the offense, which is all we need him to do.

Moose:

I have been a big supporter of Garcia since he has been at Carolina.  After last Saturday’s performance against Auburn, it is time for a change.  The offense needs some new life, and it all starts with the quarterback.  We know that no quarterback is safe in a Spurrier run team, so there is a pretty good chance Garcia will see the field again.  Plus Kentucky isn’t that good of a team, so the defense should have a great game, taking a lot of the pressure off of Shaw.  I have a feeling Spurrier is play the odds by letting Shaw play against Kentucky.  Plus Garcia has missed practice to be with his family after the passing of his Grandfather.  Team Shaw 4 Life

Flounder:

Starting Connor Shaw is the right thing to do at the right time.  Stephen Garcia has not been effective and has been holding the team back.  Connor Shaw will not part Lake Murray but what he will do is bring energy to the offense.  He is a better runner than Garcia and a little more effective in the short passing game.  Both are needed in the USC offense right now.  Heck, anything in speaking about the offense is worth a try.  Way too much talent on that side of the ball to be sucking.  Give Connor the ball and give Lattimore the ball to take pressure off Connor.  Spurrier is right on this call as Garcia needs to get his mind right and in the mean time, let’s hope Shaw can be effective.  Something tells me he will surprise.