Connor Shaw runs against Vanderbilt on August 30, 2012. (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Columbia, SC (WLTX) - USC Head Coach Steve Spurrier still isn't sure if he'll have starter Connor Shaw this weekend's game against East Carolina.
At his weekly news conference Tuesday, Spurrier said Shaw is still hurting somewhat from his injury suffered during the Vanderbilt game.
During the second quarter, Shaw hurt his throwing shoulder. After some treatment during halftime, he returned and completed the game.
The injury was classified a bruise, and Spurrier said it only affected Shaw's bone, and the joint did not sustain any damage.
"Connor could be ready to play," Spurrier said. "We'll see how he feels Wednesday. If he doesn't toss around Thursday, he won't play."
Spurrier said a focus of this week's preparations will be making sure backup Dylan Thompson's confidence level is up. Thompson played briefly during the Vandy game. Spurrier also suggested running back Bruce Ellington may see time in the wildcat formation against ECU.
The head ball coach also defended the play of his team--and one play in particular.
Spurrier led off his remarks by saying D.J. Swearinger made a good play during the fourth quarter when he stopped Vandy's Jordan Matthews from catching a deep ball. The moment has been controversial, with some suggesting pass interference should have been called on Swearinger.
"I thought D.J. Swearinger made an outstanding play," Spurrier said. "People are making a big deal out of that one, I don't think they should."
Spurrier said it was a close call.
And for those who felt the final outcome was a little too close for comfort for a top ten team, Spurrier said his squad did a lot of things right, including his offensive line, which offered good protection.
"We're not as bad as maybe some people think we are," Spurrier offered.
The game gets underway Saturday at 12:21 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium.