Shaw or Thompson

[Ownage McGee]

We've had a lot of discussion regarding who should be our starting QB from here on out, but nothing that really just puts the main question on the table. So I thought I would start a poll to see where Gamecock Nation stands.

Please cast your vote and give your reason(s) why, if you will. Who should start the bowl game? (a healthy) Shaw or Dylan Thompson?

Edit: Just to be clear, I didn't start the poll in order to put down either QB. Regardless of who starts Gamecock Nation will support them 100%. I just thought it would be an interesting topic for conversation, not trying to cause a riff between our fanbase.

[Cocky2001]

Not a 'hater' of Shaw or even close to that, but Thompson can do things that Shaw can't. And even though Shaw can run extremely well, I think that hurts him sometimes passing and Thompson's runs the other night were pretty impressive.

The team seems to respond to Thompson better and Spurrier actually doesn't look like he is on the verge of a stroke the entire game.

Thompson.

[gotrice?]

Whoever the coaching staff decides on I'll be happy with. As a fan I think we are more entertaining when Thompson is in the game because it looks like a traditional Spurrier offense but Connor is a winner so really we can't go wrong. Nice problem to have.

[USC Paratrooper]

Originally Posted by gotrice?

Whoever the coaching staff decides on I'll be happy with. As a fan I think we are more entertaining when Thompson is in the game because it looks like a traditional Spurrier offense but Connor is a winner so really we can't go wrong. Nice problem to have.

Pretty much took the thoughts right out of my head. Well said.

[wncmountaincock]

I voted Thompson, I just think he throws the ball better. But who ever Spurrier goes with I'll back 100%.

[Coulwoodwarlord]

I voted for Shaw. I think we should finish the season with him as the starter, then let festivities begin in the spring. ( I do like watching Thompson pitchin though )

[rrsandersjr]

I don't like the idea of creating a qb controversy. As long as coach says its Shaw, it's Shaw. If the truth be told, Thompson only did what every other qb who played did against Clemson did. Our d won the game. I do wish that Shaw would be more patient in the passing game and had some of DT's fire.

[ACPhilson]

Not gonna vote.

[brat]

Shaw, if healthy. He has earned it. If he is healthy and doesn't start, that could put him in a funk during the offseason workouts, stc. If he can't move the club, then bring in Thompson to let him try.

Next year will take care of itself as far as QB.

[Cocky2001]

Just to be clear, I support all of our guys these two included. Whoever SOS chooses is fine with me and has my full support.

[Garnet Gamecock]

Connor has been playing hurt and though he is tough it has limited our options.

Here is why:

1) His fracture of his scapula has hurt his throwing ability, thus limiting our options in the throwing game.

2) His foot injury has been described as both a sprain and a fracture, so who knows what it really is. The bottom line is that he no longer runs with authority and his ypc is down to about 2 yards in the last several games.

Connor needs to heal and we also need two things:

1) Get Connor to beef up (fat, not muscle). Get him to add some weight to help him take hits. He is too lean for a guy his size. The extra weight won't have much impact on his speed.

2) Get Connor bigger, better pads ala what Tajh Boyd wears (flak jacket).

Even so, I think Connor should be our changeup and not our starter. Dylan's ability to stretch the field and make large chunks of yardage is impossible to ignore. He also stands in the pocket even when he's about to take the hit.

Last, Dylan is more likely to get all the receivers involved all the way down the field.

[uscsandstorm85]

They both bring different skills to the table. They are both great athletes, and they are both willing to do anything to win. What a great problem to have!

But Connor should and will start the bowl game. Let the battle begin during the spring.

[Cockhornleghorn]

I trust Steve to decide.

[usc91ece]

Depends on the opponent. If they have a pass defense like clemson its obvious. If they can cover, a running qb is helpful.

[COCKYTALKIN]

Fine with either one. The only potentially unique reason I prefer Dylan over Connor is that I feel he would probably have a better chance of completing a season without injury. Running QB's have trouble in the SEC. Cam Newton and Tim Tebow were exceptional and a good bit larger than Connor.

[Spurrier Fan]

Shaw deserves to start the bowl game, but I agree with the majority that says the qb competition should be wide open leading into next season. I'm a big fan of Shaw, but Thompson has done something Shaw hasn't yet, and in just a few starts. And that is lead South Carolina to a big road win. Just something to keep in mind.

The only thing it changes this season is Spurrier will be much quicker to pull Shaw in the bowl game if he starts dragging ass. I don't see that happening though. Shaw is a competitor. After Thompson played well in Shaw's absense, he came back and put together a 20 for 21 game against Missouri. I see him preparing hard the whole month and treating this bowl game as something big, and leading South Carolina to another 11 win season and bowl championship. Thompson's success is the best thing for Shaw because it's going to push him to stay on top of his game and get better.

[Spurrier_Superior_One]

A QB battle isn't a bad thing it will actually force Shaw to up his game, especially with the deep ball.

[TakeEM]

I still like a healthy Shaw over Thompson.

Shaw brings a lot to the table when playing better DLs. His abilty to run and scramble to make plays with his legs is criticle.

But I like Thompson over a gimpy Shaw. Thompson is more of a threat throwing and if Shaw can not run at 90% + then Thompson needs to play.

Next year could get real intresting if Dylan continues to progress. Don't forget Conner Mitch, I'm predicting he breaks some passing records here if he stays healthy..

[Ownage McGee]

Originally Posted by TakeEM

I still like a healthy Shaw over Thompson.

Shaw brings a lot to the table when playing better DLs. His abilty to run and scramble to make plays with his legs is criticle.

But I like Thompson over a gimpy Shaw. Thompson is more of a threat throwing and if Shaw can not run at 90% + then Thompson needs to play.

Next year could get real intresting if Dylan continues to progress. Don't forget Conner Mitch, I'm predicting he breaks some passing records here if he stays healthy..

Ditto on Connor Mitch. That kid is a gunslinger; I expect big things from him.

[pantera17]

Here are my thoughts.

People talk about shaws running ability. And how its such a big plus it outweighs his average passing. But good Ds will shut his running down. And i dont think he is a good enough passer to beat elite teams with his arm.

Idk if DT is either. But i feel like hed give us a better shot with his arm.

Id take a pocket passer over a runner everyday. No matter how good he could run.