Gamecocks' QB Shaw...loses his grip...by USC Joe Persons

Freshman quarterback Connor Shaw had his first tough day of passing.
The right-hander from north Georgia told USC coach Steve Spurrier he had a hard time gripping the ball on a surprisingly cool day at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Shaw completed just 4-of-11 passes for 67 yards in the Gamecocks’ second scrimmage a week after his strong showing in the first scrimmage.
Starting QB Stephen Garcia was 10-of-17 passing for 149 yards, but failed to direct any scoring drives. Garcia also was sacked several times, although at least one of them came on a quick whistle when it appeared Garcia had thrown the ball away.
Meanwhile, third-team QBs Andrew Clifford (10-of-13, 86 yards, one INT) and Zac Brindise (5-of-8, 72 yards 2 TDs) had productive days against a second- and third-team defense featuring two backup long-snappers and a couple of other walk-ons.
When Spurrier was asked whether Clifford and Brindise were in the hunt for the No. 2 job, the Head Ball Coach didn’t miss an opportunity to gig Garcia, saying they were in the hunt for the starting position.
It’s clear one of Spurrier’s objectives this spring is to keep Garcia from becoming too fat and sassy in his starter’s role. Until Saturday, Shaw had provided the push behind Garcia that Reid McCollum could not last fall.
USC football beat writer Joe Person has covered the Gamecocks since the start of the 2002 season.