Game Plan Remains The Same With Or Without Shaw

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — USC head football coach Steve Spurrier said Tuesday that he will know by Thursday at the latest whether or not quarterback Connor Shaw will play for the Gamecocks in their home opener against East Carolina Saturday. “We’ll see how he feels Wednesday or Thursday,” said Spurrier. “If he can’t pitch around Thursday, he’s probably not going to play. If not, Dylan Thompson, should get the first call, Seth Strickland, Andrew Clifford will be ready after that.” In a text message to the State newspaper last Saturday, Shaw’s father said that his son was doing well and would play in the ECU game. Sunday, Spurrier said Shaw’s condition was “wait and see.” No matter what happens, the Head Ball Coach said Tuesday that his game plan for the Pirates will remain pretty much the same. “We’ll keep it as is,” said Spurrier. “If we’re throwing a bunch of completions, we’ll keep firing away. If we’re not, we’ll go to the next plan, just like we always do. But, we’ll have a similar game plan, and Dylan (Thompson) is very capable. Seth Strickland is very capable also, I think. So, we’ll again, wait and see.” The Gamecocks face ECU Saturday at Williams-Brice stadium, with a kickoff scheduled for 12:21pm. Last year, USC defeated the Pirates 56-37 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The game will air on ABC Columbia. Coverage will begin at noon.