Shaw misses practice for Gamecocks with back spasms

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw missed most of practice Thursday because of back spasms, a week before the ninth-ranked Gamecocks open the season at Vanderbilt.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said on his radio call-in show that Shaw was struggling to move at practice, so the coaches sent him to the training room for treatment. South Carolina returns to the practice field Saturday. Spurrier said he hoped the day off would help Shaw's condition.

Shaw is a junior beginning his first full season as starting quarterback. He took over the job last fall for Stephen Garcia, who was dismissed from the program. Shaw went 7-1 after taking over as South Carolina won a program-record 11 games. Shaw threw for 1,218 yards and 12 touchdowns. He rushed for 483 yards and seven TDs.