Branch's Shaw to play tonight for S. Carolina

COLUMBIA -- A year after closing out his high school career, Connor Shaw will begin his collegiate career tonight when South Carolina opens the college football season when Southern Miss visits Columbia, S.C.

The Flowery Branch High grad, who led the Falcons to a state championship game and Class AAA semifinal appearance in back-to-back years, has been told by South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier to be ready to play early for the Gamecocks.

Though Spurrier will probably start junior Stephen Garcia, the coach told ESPN.com this week that both quarterbacks will play in the first half of the game.

"I've generally always played the older guys first," Spurrier told ESPN's Chris Low. "Usually, if the older guys have played well in preseason practice, we go with them to start the game. How long they'll be in there, I don't know.

"I never thought who starts the game is a big deal. It's who plays most of the game."

Shaw has impressed since joining the Gamecocks last spring. He graduated early from Flowery Branch after finishing his senior season with over 3,000 yards passing and 30 touchdowns while also running for roughly 800 yards and 18 scores.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/9/231949