Shaw named South Carolina starter

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier promised changes to the offense after back-to-back unimpressive performances. On Monday, Spurrier took a much-needed step forward by benching struggling fifth-year senior quarterback Stephen Garcia for sophomore Connor Shaw.

This move probably comes a week too late, considering the Gamecocks' offense was a major reason for South Carolina's loss to Auburn at home over the weekend, but now that the move is here you probably won't hear many Gamecocks fans complain.

ESPN has dedicated 2011 to examining one of the most crucial positions in all of sports -- the quarterback.
Year of the QB ?

"As most everyone knows our quarterback play has not been as good as we hoped and we've got to do something," Spurrier said.

On the season, Garcia has passed for 844 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions. Six of those interceptions came in the past two games.

As for Shaw, he started the year as South Carolina's starter, but struggled in the opener. He was finally benched for Garcia after the Gamecocks trailed 17-0 to East Carolina. Garcia got his starting job back after rallying South Carolina for a 56-37 win against the Pirates.

Shaw has passed for 29 yards on 4-of-11 passing this season.

Now this is Shaw's team and Saturday is Shaw's chance to be the guy for the Gamecocks for the rest of the way.

"This is his game," Spurrier said.

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