Palmetto Proving Grounds

By no means am I saying that SG was the reason we lost. Kid played great for 3 quarters. I actually think we lost because we couldn't stop Auburn. Not because of our offense or SG.

I am simply making an argument as to why I think SOS made the change. I wouldn't nitpick that play if it were not such an example of what frustrates SOS. It's the decision making process that keeps breaking down at critical times. SOS cannot understand why a QB can't read that play and make the play. I just watched the replay and Blackledge pointed out Sanders was open. SOS asked Garcia if he was him open, Garcia said, "who" and Spurrier said "Ace". Garcia didn't see the play developed.

He also reverted to bad habits that they've tried to coach him out of for over a year now. At some point, SOS had to make the call as to whether or not SG could make a play to win the game. That was such a glaring play that summed up all the reasons SOS gets frustrated. He has basically asked SG to concentrate on two things this year - get rid of the ball on time and throw it away if you don't believe someone was open. We've all heard it over and over. I don't see how it could be emphasized any more than it has. He didn't do what they've begged him to do at a critical time and it was costly.

SG played his heart out. For 3 quarters, he played the best of his career. Under the pressure of the 4th quarter, he reverted back to old habits. He is definitely NOT the reason we lost. Did it contribute in the 4th quarter? It'd be hard to argue otherwise. Did his play up to that point help give us the lead? Absolutely.

I am making the argument for why Shaw was inserted. Not at all am I making an argument that SG lost us the game.

For the record, nothing would make me happier than to see SG put it all together and become a first team AA. I pull for him every play as hard as I possibly can. I pull for whoever puts on that uniform. That said, I do understand that coaches have to make decisions to do what they think is best. I was personally very encouraged by the Shaw bounced back from that first INT. I am hoping SG bounces back as well.

I saw nothing wrong with Shaw going in PERIOD! Garcia played lights out until two series in a row he turned the ball over. We led early because they turned the ball over. We still may have over came if AA just falls on the fumble. Did Shaw have two picks yes, but he did something Garcia never does. If you go back and watch. He looked off and pump faked right before he threw the ball. Yes he threw a pick, Bynes made a veteren play but he didn't read the eyes as the announcers said. The second pick Auburn was dropping everything knowing we could not run and had no TO left with 29 seconds, By the way the ball did hit AJ in the hands in the endzone. They just made a play.

One other thing concerning Garcia, we all know he is tough as nails. We just don't need him to try and show it every game. There are those rare occasions that you sell out. He needs to go back and watch how many times he has turned the ball over trying to get and extra yard or two. There is no need to take those licks. Get what you can get and get down.

You nailed it,If that pass to Ashlon had been caught the same people trashing Spurrier would be praising the move to Shaw.
This game was lost on the defensive side of the ball. The offense could and did move the ball but did not get the ball back enough. Did Garcia make mistakes? Sure he did. So did Auburn.It all came down to who controlled the ball and unfortunately that was Auburn.

That makes no sense to me; not sure what you mean by that, but whatever.

Let me tell you I was as ticked as anyone when he fumbled. I was saying a few things that would probably surprise many of you but I'm still not ready to throw in the towel as far as he is concerned. I really like Connor Shaw and I am excited about our future with him as our QB but he is far from ready from what I have seen, to be our starting QB. Yes, he does lots of good things but he also does some of the very same things that Garcia used to do that people were so critical of.

I think Shaw needs to come in and play but unless Garcia was hurt, my opinon is that Garcia should have stayed in there. At the very least should have been able to come in and play that last drive after Shaw had already thrown an interception. I was very surprised that Spurrier brought Connor in again actually.

Yes, I'm a Garcia fan, you guys all know that, but bottom line, I want the team to win. I really could care less who is under center as long as he is truly the best guy for the job. At this point, even with Garcia's mistakes, I still believe he is our man.

The problem with post like these is that both sides try and make points that they are right and it appears that they are putting one player or the other down. That is not always the case. Garcia imho was playing one of his best games to date. The numbers back that upand you saw signs of hope. Then he has two turnovers that were uncalled for. The first, while it was another of his high effort plays, was not needed as bad as ball security. The second, he just did not get rid of the ball quick enough.

To the original point, did it cost us the game putting Shaw in??? I don't think so. Garcia had the lead for three quarters.They were not really stopping us either. When we turned the ball over they took the lead.

as a QB you have to learn how to play with the lead and how to play from behind. playing with the lead allows you to be more cautious.