Oct. 3, 2011

The University of South Carolina football squad returned to the Bluff Road practice fields Monday night. It was their first workout since Saturday’s 16-13 loss to Auburn. The Gamecocks (4-1, 2-1 SEC) are preparing for Saturday’s SEC Eastern Division showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats (2-3, 0-2 SEC). Game time is set for 12:21 p.m. ET and will be televised on the SEC Network with Dave Neal, Andre Ware and Cara Capuano calling the action.

Following Monday night’s practice, head coach Steve Spurrier announced that sophomore Connor Shaw will make the start at quarterback on Saturday.

“This is his game, it’s his opportunity to go play and we think he’s ready,” said Coach Spurrier. “We’re going to find out Saturday. Connor had a good practice tonight and, as most everyone knows, our quarterback play has not been as good as we hoped. We’ve got to do something. Maybe some other positions we’re looking at also. We’re looking forward to the game against Kentucky. I just ask all the Gamecock fans to give Connor your support the same way you have all the others players here. I think he’s ready to play well. It wasn’t that hard a call. At some point we have to do something to shake up this offense and this is the first step. We’ll see how it goes. It’s Connor’s game. Unless he gets hurt, this is his game.”

“It’s an opportunity I’m willing to take advantage of,” said Shaw. “I think I’m ready to play. I’m excited and we’ll see how it goes this Saturday. I feel confident and I feel like I’m ready to play.”

In other news, SEC Defensive Player of the Week Melvin Ingram did not practice due to a left foot strain.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields Tuesday afternoon.