Spurrier hopes to spark slugging pass game

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Steve Spurrier hasn’t given up on No. 9 South Carolina hitting a few passes, no matter how good the Gamecocks look running the ball or how much Connor Shaw’s right arm might hurt.

The Gamecocks coach says South Carolina (1-0) will keep trying to ignite a passing game Saturday against East Carolina (1-0) that was largely missing in its 17-13 opening victory at Vanderbilt. The team managed 67 yards through the air, an effort Spurrier said might’ve been the low point of his career.

It didn’t help that Shaw took a shot to his throwing shoulder in the second half. Shaw didn’t practice until Wednesday this week and, if he’s not in significant pain, is expected to make a second straight start against the Pirates.