Columbia, SC – Sophomore Connor Shaw will make the start at quarterback for South Carolina on Saturday when the No. 18 Gamecocks host Kentucky.
Shaw replaces Stephen Garcia, who went 9-of-23 passing for 160 yards with a touchdown and a pair of interceptions in a 16-13 loss to Auburn this past Saturday.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier made the announcement of the QB switch following Monday night's practice.
"This is his game, it's his opportunity to go play and we think he's ready," Spurrier said of Shaw. "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."
Shaw played the opening quarter of South Carolina's season-opener, but was removed in favor of Garcia. The Gamecocks trailed East Carolina, 17-0 when Garcia, a fifth-year senior, came in and rallied the team to a 56-37 victory.
Garcia has completed 61-of-118 passes for 844 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions this season, while Shaw has connected on 4-of-11 throws for 29 yards in two contests.
"It's an opportunity I'm willing to take advantage of," Shaw said. "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."
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