South Carolina Football: Connor Shaw Cleared to Start Against Florida

Thank goodness. 

According to ESPN, Connor Shaw feels fine and will be set to face the Gators on Saturday.  This is huge news for the Gamecocks, who would be reeling with another injury. 

Connor is coming off of his worst game as a Gamecock, and should revel in the idea of playing a Florida secondary that is young and struggling. He needs to look downfield and get the ball to Alshon Jeffery, who has been ridiculously quiet this season.

I recently wrote a piece saying that if Connor can't go, then Bruce Ellington may be the answer to the Gamecocks offensive woes.  However, even with Connor playing, I think Bruce must be used more than he has the past few games. 

If Connor plays like he did his first two starts (not counting ECU), the Gamecocks should win easily against the Gators. 

If he plays like he did against Tennessee and Arkansas, then the Gamecocks could be out of the SEC east race.  If the Gamecocks win, then they still need Georgia to lose to either Auburn or Kentucky.

It is quite the conundrum to be in, when this season started with so much promise. 

Nothing matters though, if South Carolina can't find a way to give these quarterbacks some protection.

However, Connor at least gives the Gamecocks someone with some starts under his belt who has shown signs of being a good player. 

He needs to improve, and he needs to do so starting Saturday. 

It's great to be a Gamecock.