Hour 1 - Former South Carolina QB Connor Shaw in studio 2025-9-10

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Exploring the latest headlines and in depth conversations. It's the
Richmond Weavers Show on one oh four nine Fox Sports
up State, presented by Ingles Low Prices, love the savings,
now for riches take on sports.

Speaker 2 (00:17):
Here's Richmond Weaver ready to roll.

Speaker 3 (00:20):
This Wednesday right here on one oh four nine Fox
Sports Upstate. This is the Wednesday edition of the Richmond
Weaver Show, presented by our good friends at Ingles Markets.
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(01:02):
We're in full force here on this Wednesday. Mister Sterry
Falco behind the board and behind the mic as always
as he's back with us feeling much better now. So
I appreciate you getting a little bit of R and
R and coming back in full force. And it's also
our privilege here this Wednesday. And this is going to
be a recurring theme because he just told me it's

(01:23):
on his calendar as a recurrent event. Mister Connor Shawl,
former South Carolina Gamecock Hall of Fame quarterback down there
in Columbia. He's here to join us and talk some
SEC football, talk some South Carolina football, because we were
talking off air, Connor. This is a big weekend in
college football, and especially when you look at South Carolina

(01:47):
welcoming Vandy coming into town, SEC opener, home opener in
the SEC down in Columbia. And the one thing that
I do know that regardless of how the past two
games have been some forty five Saturday night, Willy Be,
that place is going to be going bananas.

Speaker 4 (02:05):
You've lived it.

Speaker 3 (02:06):
Talk about just what Willy B is, because I don't
know if people really understand. I know regionally they do,
but from a national perspective, we hear about all these
other stadiums and you know how loud they are with
a great environment, and I get that, I understand that,
but it's a shame that they those pundits haven't been

(02:29):
to Willy Be and really being able to explain it
and create the narratives.

Speaker 4 (02:34):
You've lived it.

Speaker 5 (02:35):
Yeah, WILLI be at night? Regardless of what game it is,
it's special. The magic comes out. You know, the guys
who are commentators, who are former players, like Aaron Murray
and Greg mccorny, they give it its flowers because they've
played in that stadium at night. They know it's one
of the toughest places to play in the country without
a doubt. And you already said it, Vanderbilt Commodore's coming

(02:55):
into town right off the bat. This feels like a
big game, like the emotion is the energy, the buzz
around it. Obviously Vandy is not the same old Vandy
Diego Pavia as their trigger man, and.

Speaker 2 (03:06):
No one wants to play in right now.

Speaker 5 (03:07):
No, and it's a big game sec opener for the
game Cox.

Speaker 2 (03:11):
I'm glad it's a home.

Speaker 3 (03:12):
Game, Yeah, of course, And I think that's something to
be said just in terms of you do have the
benefit of in a neutral site against Virginia Tech.

Speaker 4 (03:22):
You get the win.

Speaker 3 (03:23):
However ugly it was in terms of week quote unquote
say ugly. I mean, at the end of the day,
it's a w and then we can easily say there
were some ugly periods there in that South Carolina State game.
But also contend that as I'm about to jump into
why it's great to have a home opener against Vandy

(03:43):
because you do get to try to develop some things,
but you have the home crowd there with you. But
even the South Carolina State game, I mean that was
such a weird, awkward game game just in terms of
the delay. From your perspective as a player, did you
ever have a scenario where you had a lightning delay?

Speaker 5 (04:03):
And how we're to open up twenty thirteen? We played
North Carolina at home, but the delay happened like maybe
right before halftime, right after I can't remember, but nothing.
You know where you're going through your pregame routine and
your regimen and you're getting ready to go and warm
ups and spot the ball. So look, any competitor who's
been through like your consistent game day routine, it does

(04:23):
kind of throw you off rhythm. Now I'll also say this,
I mean South Carolina State wasn't Vanderbilt an SEC game.

Speaker 2 (04:30):
You should be able to get up for this game.

Speaker 5 (04:32):
Yes, so now there was a lot of energy. The
Garnet in Black showed up strong last Saturday.

Speaker 2 (04:36):
I went to the game.

Speaker 5 (04:37):
It was fun tailgating in a kackaboos and watch Clemson
down sixteen nothing for a while.

Speaker 4 (04:42):
But well you had to throw that in there.

Speaker 5 (04:44):
Yeah, you know. But yeah, this game is it's pivotal.
We're early in the season. We're just talking about this.
Just it's a game. On paper, I think they're favored
by maybe a touchdown or just under a touchdown.

Speaker 3 (04:57):
And yeah, it's been fluctuating from five and a half
to eight and half. I've seen it to all over
the map.

Speaker 5 (05:01):
Yeah, I mean, this is just one where they're going
to have to put together a complete game and come
out faster than they have. And there's been some offensive
woes and this is, uh, you've had two games to
correct some stuff. It's always much more fun to learn
hard lessons and wins than losses. Of course, So the
first two wins are in the win column.

Speaker 4 (05:22):
That's right. A W is a W.

Speaker 5 (05:24):
But it's time to put it together sooner when you
spot them.

Speaker 4 (05:27):
That's right now.

Speaker 3 (05:27):
And it was thirty eight to ten, so you did
win by four touchdowns.

Speaker 5 (05:31):
Yeah, now's defensive Toeschal came in a third quarter exactly.

Speaker 4 (05:34):
That's right, that's the problem.

Speaker 5 (05:36):
Special teams touchdowns defense. We picked up right where we
left off last year on scoring defense. So it's good
to have playmakers on on all.

Speaker 3 (05:44):
Phases, no question. How long does it take sometimes though,
for a team to get into an offensive rhythm, Well.

Speaker 2 (05:50):
I think South Carolina specifically.

Speaker 5 (05:52):
You still have to remember it's a new offense coordinator,
so a new offense, there's new wrinkles. Still, young quarterback,
You've got some new faces up front.

Speaker 3 (06:00):
Yeah, and we're acting like Leonora Sellers is a senior
out there, just because of all the hype that he's getting.
We know the talent, but this is only his second
full year of starting.

Speaker 2 (06:09):
That's right.

Speaker 5 (06:09):
And I think the relationship between coordinator and quarterback is
crucial and that takes time for that end gameplay calling.
You can't simulate that in an offseason. You can't simulate
that in training camp. You know you're going to have
to get to know each other and down in distance
in certain football situations where I kind of know what
he's expecting, you know, to call and be on the
same page.

Speaker 2 (06:29):
That stuff matters.

Speaker 5 (06:30):
You hear quarterbacks who's played a long time talk about
their coordinator, and I still think, you know, first couple
of games in, they're going to get better as they go.
And again, I think sometimes it's human nature to rise
and fall with competition sometimes.

Speaker 3 (06:45):
Yeah, I would agree with that also as Cottner Shawl
joining us here in studio in this Wednesday edition of
the Richmond Weavers Show presented by our good friends at
Engles Markets and breaking down South Carolina and getting ready
for the big game against Vanderbilt Saturday at seven forty five,
and you can listen to it right here on one
O four nine Fox Sports up State. And to that point,

(07:06):
I know when I'd mentioned that you had the delay
and that can take you off your rhythm, and then
I'll hear the narrative that, well, it didn't affect South
Carolina State.

Speaker 4 (07:15):
They came out there and played.

Speaker 3 (07:17):
But you know this too, underdogs, they just need one
little thing to be off for the other team, and
they are able to take advantage of it. And because
they're coming in there like, oh, who the hell cares?
You know, we're not even supposed to even be in
this competition. So to speak, and so I think they

(07:38):
were just able to take advantage of that. And also
South Carolina State has a lot of transfers, so you
didn't even really know what to expect from that team.

Speaker 2 (07:46):
That's a good point.

Speaker 5 (07:46):
And you know, impressive the plan that they had coming
into that game and the way that they competed early
on and disciplined. Right, it was impressive to see them
come out with a big boy like that, yeah, and
swing hard at the beginning and yeah, but at the
end of the day, you still got to execute. I mean,
whether the you get thrown off your rhythm, once the

(08:07):
ball spotted and the plays called, the player's got to
go execute. Then you know, you look on the stat
sheet in the first two games, it's kind of similar
story on offense. I mean, we're the things that will
drive you crazy as a coach. You know, once you
get handed a stat sheet, you look at turnover margin,
which is in favor of the game cocks. You look
at third down conversions.

Speaker 2 (08:25):
It's not good.

Speaker 5 (08:26):
I think in two games it's like seven for twenty
five and four seven for twenty four. Yeah, and then penalties.
You know, you can't beat yourself. And there's been back
to back games with seven or eight penalties, and we
certainly had a bunch on offense.

Speaker 4 (08:37):
That's right.

Speaker 3 (08:38):
And then you talk about that third down conversion, then
you're giving up almost forty two percent to the opponents,
and you just can't be in that type of situation. Yeah,
in terms of continuing to have that team out on
the field, you got to get your big guns off.

Speaker 5 (08:52):
And that's the other thing that we're sitting in the
bottom half of the league right now is time of possession.

Speaker 4 (08:55):
That's right.

Speaker 2 (08:56):
That's another critical stat there that you look at.

Speaker 5 (08:58):
And you know, I thought that defense played well, obviously
scored a touchdown, but you know, if you give the
other opponent too many opportunities, it's hard to be consistent
on that side of the ball. And you got to
stay on the field and find ways to convert. And
you know, and I think there's that third down conversion.
It was lost yards early downs. Yes, you know, you

(09:18):
can't beat yourself, you can't go backwards.

Speaker 3 (09:20):
Yeah, And speaking of that time of possession, I've got
the stats right here averaging twenty five and a half
minutes time of possession for South Carolina, but the opponents
are averaging thirty four. Yeah, and a half minute, So
that's almost a ten minute difference right there. Now you
can point to, well, because of Acari Swain, we didn't
even need to be on offense because of three touchdowns.

(09:44):
You know, punt's returned for touchdowns in two games. I
mean that's pretty impressive right there. So maybe that skews
it a little bit. But you can also again go
back to the third down conversion mark right there, you
can see that South Carolina's not staying on the field
long enough.

Speaker 5 (09:59):
Yeah, I mean, certainly some really great takeaways. I mean,
you got Beamer ball showing up each week, and you're
going to need that to be just good to have
that as you come along throughout the season, to have
playmakers and special teams and defense, and you know, the
offense is going to have to hold apart. And I
know I sound a bit pessimistic right now, but I
think they'll get better. They still have the pieces, right
you still got an elite quarterback and we've got to

(10:21):
protect him a bit better. I'd like personally to see
some more quarterback design runs, maybe getting empty and get
them in space a little bit more. But you know
they're they're finding their identity and when I've been in
an offense, you're early in my career where you're searching
for who you are on offense, and it's.

Speaker 2 (10:35):
Always good to have a defense of special teams, to have.

Speaker 3 (10:37):
Your best That's right, yes, and that can save the
day at times if quote unquote save the day is
the right terminology to use right there, because I do
think eventually South Carolina was going to pull away from
South Carolina State even without the punt returns there. But
to your point talking about Lenora Sellers and him being
able to utilize his legs, because I was talking to

(10:59):
one of my good friends, a huge South Carolina fan,
and he was talking about Lenora Sellers and his frustration
was almost to the point of We've got this weapon
in Lenora Sellers.

Speaker 4 (11:11):
Yeah, let's use him. Let's utilize it now.

Speaker 3 (11:15):
Let's don't waste his talent because we know the window
is so short in terms of trying to be able
to win in a particular season. So from your standpoint,
I mean, should there be more focus on can you
get Lenoris in some open space on his own rather
than trying to we know, develop him into a much

(11:36):
better pocket passer.

Speaker 5 (11:38):
Yeah, I think you definitely play what the cards you have,
and the card you have is he can do everything.

Speaker 4 (11:43):
Yeah, that's right.

Speaker 5 (11:44):
And he's big enough, like I can understand, as a coordinator,
you want to protect him and so you don't want
him to have ten to fifteen carries a game. But
he's big enough and strong enough, and I think he's
willing enough and smart enough to get down and not
take unnecessary hits. But I think to be able to
be dynamic in both run game pass game, you got
to figure out some ways to quarterback designed runs, not

(12:07):
just him breaking pocket escaping and extending plays.

Speaker 4 (12:10):
That's right.

Speaker 3 (12:11):
Yeah, And as much as we talk about I know
the fans, you know, with the frustration and even on
the Clemson side in South Carolina side, I mean I
hear the comments and the narratives, especially about the play calling,
and you know, ultimately the fans are saying, why are
they calling that type of play? And at the end
of the day, that means the fan is basically saying, hey,

(12:33):
why didn't they call the touchdown play? It just doesn't
work that way, right, It's not every play is going
to be a touchdown play, but that's what the fans expect.

Speaker 4 (12:42):
That every play should be.

Speaker 3 (12:45):
A positive play and ultimately some type of scoring opportunity.

Speaker 4 (12:49):
But again, Connor, it's not that easy.

Speaker 2 (12:51):
It's not that easy, and it's always that's the scapegoat.

Speaker 5 (12:54):
Always, that's always the easiest point your finger to play caller.
And again, you know, there's seasons to be frustrated. I
think when you have that caliber quarterback and trying to
get some explosive plays and move the ball downfield. But
you know, it's not just on the coordinator here.

Speaker 2 (13:09):
I mean it's very.

Speaker 5 (13:11):
Easy to go pick up part in the first two
games and look at some corrections up front.

Speaker 2 (13:16):
I mean, the offensive line.

Speaker 4 (13:17):
Does have to play better than miss assignments.

Speaker 5 (13:20):
I mean, we were running through a brick wall and
it's not like they were, you know, stacking the box
or bringing a whole lot of exoctic pressures. I mean,
at the end of the day, you got to win
your one on one matchup. That's right for us to
have a chance, Yeah.

Speaker 4 (13:30):
For sure.

Speaker 3 (13:31):
And I know, even like from the Clemson's perspective, Caid
club Nicks catching a lot of heat, and especially when
Dado Sweeney's coming out after the first game and saying
that our best player didn't play well and he missed
a lot of throws. And you know, we had opportunities.
We could have scored, we could have tied that game up,
but Caid didn't make the right read. And practice and

(13:53):
through all off season he was making the correct read.
So from your position and you're time playing, how often
did you have the follow up watching film and seeing
some plays and saying, man.

Speaker 4 (14:08):
How the hell did I miss that throat? I don't
he keeps you miss that read?

Speaker 2 (14:12):
Yeah?

Speaker 5 (14:12):
I mean I still remember the plays where gosh, I
remember Week seventeen against Baltimore Ravens when I was in
Cleveland's cover zero and I can hit Andrew Hawkins on
a quick short slant route and I threw it too early.

Speaker 2 (14:23):
It hit him in the chest.

Speaker 5 (14:23):
And that's one If I hold on just a click longer,
he take it to the house and maybe we win.
You know. So it is those type of games. But
that's what makes the sports so beautiful because the margin
of vera is so thin. And it's also what's so
beautiful about this game. You get to play next week.

Speaker 4 (14:36):
That's right.

Speaker 5 (14:37):
You're gonna come together on a Sunday and you're going
to grade the tape, put it to bed and move on.

Speaker 2 (14:41):
You have a blank slate going into next week.

Speaker 3 (14:43):
Yeah, how much did you enjoy that opportunity of if
you had, you know, a relatively bad game or coming
off a loss that you could immediately play yeah the
next week versus oh, we've got an off week, that
open date.

Speaker 4 (14:57):
Was that frustrating?

Speaker 2 (14:58):
Yeah?

Speaker 5 (14:58):
You never want to sit on a loss, our performance
for two weeks and you know the games that we
did lose or has a lot of missed opportunities. You're
counting down and so you can get back on a
practice fit on Monday and move on, learn from it,
get back into that competitive mindset and focus on the
next team and kind of go through situational week by
week of whether that's third down, red zone, exotic blitz's,

(15:20):
you know, pass pro and all that kind of stuff.

Speaker 2 (15:22):
So again it's two and zero, they're gonna hit the fit.
You know, they've trust.

Speaker 5 (15:26):
It's about the preparation this week in practice to have
the confidence going into Saturday and you're under the lights
and Willie.

Speaker 4 (15:32):
B there you go.

Speaker 3 (15:33):
And at the end of the day, and we talked
about it again before we jumped on air.

Speaker 4 (15:38):
A w is a w survive in advance of the game.

Speaker 3 (15:44):
Also again, just get the win baby, that all that matters.
As Al Davis would say, just win baby. As we'll
continue this Wednesday edition of the Richmond Weavers Show presented
by Ingles Markets right here on one of four nine
five Sports Upstate, Connor Shaw, former South Carolina game quarterback,
joining us in studio. Much more right after this, the

(16:06):
Wednesday edition of the Richmond Weavers Show presented by Ingles
Markets continues right here on one o four nine Fox
Sports Upstate. We are in full force, mister Trey Falco
behind the board and behind the mic with us and
in studio Connor Shaw joining us, former South Carolina quarterback,
great Hall of fame down there in Columbia, and we

(16:29):
are excited to have him in studio and each Wednesday
we'll be able to talk SEC and South Carolina football
as we get ready for a big weekend in college football.
Because Connor, this is going to be starting that period
of the season separation starts happening, you know, because all
of these games they start mattering. Now, not that the
other ones didn't, but you know, Clemson, you could lose

(16:51):
to an LSU and you still have a chance, and
especially with the college football playoff expansion, you still have
these opportunities. But come conference play, I mean, now it
starts heating up and this is big time.

Speaker 5 (17:03):
Yeah, there's a lot of implications on the line from
here on out. Yes, And we were just talking about
this earlier, and you know each team is going to
hit the gauntlet once you get into mid October and
going in November. So this early matchups they do matter
and for confidence building as well.

Speaker 3 (17:17):
No question confidence building. I think that's a big part
of it. Especially again, as we talked about, both teams
haven't been clicking on all cylinders on an offensive side
defensive side. I still think both teams are playing lights
out right now. And I know, just from a perspective,
maybe Clemson has played talent a little bit better with
LSU and Troy, but also South Carolina's continues to showcase

(17:40):
that as much as was lost last year in terms
of the defense and some of the leadership, it seems
a little bit of a reload.

Speaker 2 (17:50):
Yeah.

Speaker 5 (17:50):
I mean, if you look back at the last two games,
that is certainly a positive. Going into the season, it
was do we have a defensive line that can disrupt
like we had last year.

Speaker 2 (17:57):
Yeah, can the young guys step up? Do we have
in the back end?

Speaker 5 (18:01):
You know, graduated two linebackers, so there was some uncertainty there.
So it's great to see the defense pull their weight
when they're having to be on the field as much
as they are right now.

Speaker 3 (18:10):
That's right, Connor Shaw joining us in studio. And if
you want to ask Connor a question, send a question
through the text line eight six four triple seven ninety
five ninety three. Again, that number is eight six four
triple seven ninety five ninety three. All right, Connor. One
thing that I do want to ask you about motivation

(18:30):
and coaches getting their players hyped up and you know,
pregame speeches, halftime speeches, whatever it might be. And and
you played for the old ball coach, Yeah, I mean
Steve Spurrier. So what was it like from motivation standpoint
from him? Not a whole lot, not a.

Speaker 2 (18:47):
Whole lot, you know, Coach Berrier.

Speaker 5 (18:49):
I think this is the quarterback in Coach Berrier because
he was just not the in his words, raw raw guy.
You know, there was times where we had big games
and pregame and you had guys like you know, Travian
Travan Robertson or DJ Swerringer or some of those guys
try to rally the troops a little bit and get excited,
and Coach Berry would come in as his whistles, we
don't need know that route rsh yet I don't. So

(19:12):
he was the guy that But you know, I get
it from from being a quarterback. You all, you know,
you want to stay even killed and level headed and
all that stuff.

Speaker 2 (19:20):
But I mean, this is an emotional game, no doubt.

Speaker 5 (19:23):
And I think people thrive, especially you know, on the
defensive side or up in the trenches any added motivation.
I mean, coach is now like my dad was the
same way in high school. You start to look for
reasons to for bulletin board material, poor little gasoline on
the fire, and the guys respond to that, you know.

Speaker 2 (19:41):
And that was just the quarterback and Coach.

Speaker 3 (19:42):
Burrier, that's right. And speaking of gasoline and motivation. So
Dan Lanning head coach show, the Oregon Ducks and taking
on Oklahoma State and Mike Gundy, and there were some
barbs that were thrown earlier in the week, Mike Gundy
talking about Oregon in terms of, you know, how much
they're spending on their roster, and you got to be

(20:04):
very careful, Mike Gundy, because you do have t Boone Pickens,
who's a big time point booster there at Oklahoma State
and has dumped a lot of money into that program.
And so Dan Lanning basically just use that as that
bulletin board material. And here is his pregame speech to
the Oregon Ducks after they before I should say, they

(20:25):
would go on to win sixty nine to three.

Speaker 1 (20:29):
Let it rip. The great thing about us, we don't
need any extra motivation to come in and want to
whoop your ass, but it sure does help when you
apponent force a little gasoline on you and they fort
a little gasoline.

Speaker 2 (20:38):
The great thing about this game is what they think versus.

Speaker 1 (20:41):
What I know. I know about this team's work, I
know about this team's sacrifice, I know about this team's connection.

Speaker 4 (20:48):
Right, that's gonna be a separator in this game, because if.

Speaker 1 (20:50):
You're gonna come in and you're gonna be talking, it
is time to cow would up.

Speaker 4 (20:54):
But guess what, the bull don't care today for the ball?
What a line the bull don't care? I'm still in
that line.

Speaker 3 (21:07):
We did have to cut some of that out just
a little bit, because he did have a descriptive word
of we're the bull.

Speaker 5 (21:15):
Right in the locker room. That stuff, you know, throw
that out the window. You can say whatever you want.

Speaker 2 (21:20):
I got him going.

Speaker 5 (21:22):
Yeah, the one cardinal sin if you're an opponent is
just don't poke the bear.

Speaker 2 (21:25):
Right, you know why. I don't understand why I don't
put it out there.

Speaker 3 (21:30):
Yeah, I don't understand why Mike Gundhy would even try
to go down that road at all. That made zero
sense in terms of him poking that bear, and especially
I don't think there was any reason to. I mean,
this is the world of college athletics now. Teams are
spending various types of money and a lot of money
on their rosters.

Speaker 4 (21:50):
That's just part of it.

Speaker 3 (21:52):
And you can't tell me Oklahoma States not trying to
do the exact same thing.

Speaker 2 (21:56):
And you know you're talking about Oregon too.

Speaker 4 (21:58):
Exactly, Phil not Nike all of that.

Speaker 2 (22:01):
Yeah, So I mean in a loaded roster, yes, that's
a bear you don't.

Speaker 4 (22:05):
Really want to play.

Speaker 3 (22:08):
And they made sure they did go out there and
wool sixty nine to three. I don't think many people
saw that type of beating down now, I do know
that I felt that Oregon would win pretty handily, but
not by sixty six points. I mean, that's embarrassing for
Oklahoma State. So from your perspective though, Connor, were there

(22:28):
certain games that, based on the team that you're playing,
you didn't need any extra motivation, You didn't need raw raw,
It was just based on the game itself, you knew
what stakes were.

Speaker 2 (22:39):
Yeah.

Speaker 5 (22:39):
I think what Landing said to open that thing up
is you don't need any more motivation to go kick
somebody's tail. And I think that is probably the mindset
of championship teams. Yes, it doesn't really matter who we play,
but especially the big games. You know, you think about
it every day during preparation. You dream about some of
those plays at night, like you visualize the success some

(23:00):
of the plays. The opening fifteen play calls, you go
through it in your mind, what it's going to look
like like. You don't need any motivation. Those guys are
ready to play. Yeah, there's no doubt. And I think
that's what you were talking about. Also with Steve Spurrier.

Speaker 3 (23:10):
You know, probably his mindset also is that, hey, we
don't need it, you know what, we have to go
out there and do and if we want to be
that championship team, I don't need to be the guy
to try to have to motivate you. Yeah, you should
already be motivated yourself.

Speaker 5 (23:24):
Yeah, and I look, I may be different than I'm
obviously different than some because everybody responds a little bit differently.
But I've always appreciated and maybe this is the quarterback
in me, but I've always appreciated a very even killed
coach on the sideline, no matter what the circumstances are,
because it is a roller coaster in four quarters. There
are very much highs and lows and takeaways and giveaways,
and you know, you have to be able to adjust

(23:47):
and be able to manage emotions. So I do get
not being too high going into games where anything could happen.
And then as a coach, you kind of wonder how
they respond when you're very emotional.

Speaker 3 (23:56):
Yes, what did you do to get ready for a game?
What was your pre game routine?

Speaker 5 (24:01):
Yeah, I mean we had our team routine where you know,
you have your active stretch and then we would always
script the first fifteen plays, so at least your first drive,
and that was something our quarterback room would come together
and sit in the locker room and kind of go
through it and kind of go through tips and reminders
and just kind of refreshers of hey, here's what we're
expecting on down and distance.

Speaker 2 (24:21):
And again, I think.

Speaker 5 (24:22):
A lot of it is that positive visualization of playing
those plays in your head and here's what we've seen
on tapes. So it was really just let's keep it,
you know, matter of fact before the game, and it
makes make sure we're sharp.

Speaker 2 (24:35):
But you know, you go out, you run out two
thousand and one space odestly, got'll get.

Speaker 4 (24:38):
You going too. I wish you would wear a heart
monitor back in the day.

Speaker 3 (24:42):
I did to see what your heart rate was as
you were coming out there to two thousand and all.

Speaker 5 (24:46):
Gosh, yeah, And I think my heart rate was probably
a little bit more steady when I was on the field.
It's when you're able to soak it in when you're
on the sidelines and everything else going on, where you're
able to pay attention and get your heart rate.

Speaker 4 (24:57):
Up for sure.

Speaker 3 (24:58):
How were you out on the field, like the first drive,
did you like to take a hit just to okay
that settles me in or did you need to, you know,
have your first completion and you were settled in what was.

Speaker 5 (25:10):
Yeah, I would I would love like a zone read
or get me out of the pocket, give me some
options to run our throw some easy completions, just to
settle in the game, you know, run the.

Speaker 2 (25:19):
Ball a little bit. Uh, you know, confirm what we
see with.

Speaker 5 (25:22):
Our personnel matchings out there, and you know, to make
sure what we saw on tape is what we're going
to expect in the game. But that's kind of the things.
But yes, I wanted to get hit. And it's like
anything else. Man, there's there's anxiety and the butterflies. But
when when the first snap is snapped, everything goes away
and you're it's that game happens so fast and you're
onto the next play. After after every play, you're looking

(25:42):
to the sidelines, are now listening to the play call
in the helmet, So it does happen so quick. But yeah,
I always like to take a hit in that first strap,
early in the first roupd.

Speaker 4 (25:50):
Yeah.

Speaker 3 (25:50):
I talked to Taj Boyd about this too, former Clemson
quarterback obviously, and he talked about the same thing. He
wanted to get hit and he would tell coach Sweeney,
I hate let me run, so I can take a hit.
Because his point was that I was so amped up.
If I threw a pass the first play, I didn't
know if I was going to throw it in the
ground or throw it in the stands because he was

(26:10):
so amped up, and so he just needed to settle
his body down a little bit.

Speaker 4 (26:15):
And you talked about.

Speaker 3 (26:16):
Script plays and explain that, because I know we hear
that consistently, that oh, they look great the first ten
scripted plays, like at Caleb Williams this past weekend, goes
ten for ten, and that was the narrative. Oh, those
were the scripted plays that Ben Johnson had ready to go.
Describe exactly what you're talking about there.

Speaker 5 (26:36):
Yeah, so not every team does it, but we did
it at South Carolina. We did it in Cleveland and
Chicago as well, And I think it's more for anybody else.
For anyone else's probably more so for the coordinator just
to start getting into a rhythm and play fast. But
you go over it, you know, on that Friday walk through,
and then when you get into wherever you're playing on Saturday,
you walk through in the hotel ballroom together. So there's

(26:58):
a lot of time spent on Hey, let's just execute early,
build some confidence. There's don't beat ourselves, there's no false stars,
no penalties.

Speaker 2 (27:06):
We know exactly what to expect, and I.

Speaker 5 (27:08):
Think it's just allowing us to start fast and again
build that confidence. And it can be a double edged sword,
right because the coaches will script it like you're a
first down, second and third down convert and you're marching
down the field. And typically what I from my experience,
you know, once you get around that fifty yard mark
is when you're off script no matter what you scripted,
because now you're kind of you're do I take a

(27:29):
shot here around fifty yard line? Coach Burrier always did,
especially if you had like a third and short or
a second short where it's a where it's a you know,
expecting run, We're going to take a shot here. And
then when you get into high red, the high red
zone and low red, you know you're not scripting that stuff, right,
that's a whole separate category of play calls. So I
really do think it's it's for for the offense to
come out and know exactly what to expect because we've

(27:51):
seen this on tape and we've seen what personnel informations,
and then to get the coordinator in a rhythm as well.

Speaker 3 (27:58):
Yeah, and I think there's something to be said as
you were talking about the scripted plays, and you still
have to be flexible enough to make adjustments. Goes for
defense might show you something different, or they might make
some adjustments once you're getting close to the red zone.

Speaker 5 (28:13):
Yeah, I mean if you take some early penalties in
the first drive or you take a sack. Yeah, you
know that down a distance is everything. So again, I
think it's you know, you know exactly what to expect.
You can play fast, You're expected to move the ball
because we know what's going on.

Speaker 2 (28:27):
We know these plays.

Speaker 5 (28:28):
We've rept these plays a ton, and you know there's
confidence in those repetitions even before you go out there
in the first drive. But it's just it depends on
execution and just how well it goes to stay on
rhythm for sure.

Speaker 2 (28:40):
All Right.

Speaker 3 (28:40):
Connorshall is joining us here in studio, former South Carolina quarterback.
And I'm curious about this too because I've always found
it fascinating. I remember talking to dan Orlowski about this
when I had him on my podcast, Rich Take on Sports,
which you've been a star on also. But just the
play calls themselves, some of the names, some of the terminology.

(29:04):
Do you remember some of the crazy plays?

Speaker 5 (29:07):
I said, remember, Well, maybe I don't remember now because
there's so many. But you know, I was in the
West Coast system with Kyle Shanahan my rookie year, and
I mean that was like a dissertation trying to get
out of a huddle sometimes. I mean it was seventeen
where play calls yes and dual play calls at that.
You know, so you're you're confirming coverage. Well, you know,
you got a pass call and or run call, and
you're confirming coverage on which one you run. But I mean,

(29:29):
I'll give you an example with Kyle. I mean we
had yak to strong right tight zip past eighteen why
sift z needle x cop I mean kill eighteen force.
You know that what I'm telling you coming from coming
from a pretty simple offense of getting in and out
of play calls in college, to that man, that first

(29:51):
training camp was a long training camp for this old
rookie quarterback.

Speaker 4 (29:55):
No doubt. What was that book, like, what was the playbook?

Speaker 1 (29:57):
Like?

Speaker 5 (29:58):
Yeah, in the NFL, I mean again, in that West
Coast system, you basically have every formation and every iteration
of plays under the sun. And I think that's you know,
I'm not a fan of that. I think if you
do a lot of things, you're a master of none,
you know. So I think what I loved, and I
talk about this with our quarterback room still and the
guys who played for Coach Burrier, that was the best

(30:20):
most efficient offensive system we've ever played in because to
a degree, it was pretty simple. You know, we had
the same concepts out of different formations and added some
wrinkles and motions, but it was the same course stuff. Okay,
so you knew where to go with the ball, you
knew where to start your eyes pre snap, you're it's
not a guessing game with cover. It's just a lot
of pure progression reads where process of elimination. You know,

(30:41):
he's not open, click, he's not open click. You know,
so you're just playing fast and I think if you
have confidence again, it was the same offense we've installed
in the spring, was the same stuff we wrapped in
the summer, and then we go back through that install
in training camp and that's who we are during the season.
And then you have some game specific stuff that you
would put in based on what you see other upon
Doe on crossover tape. But I've also been an offense

(31:03):
is where it feels like you have a new offense
every week. Oh and that's that's difficult.

Speaker 4 (31:07):
That's tough. Yeah, yeah, that has to be very tough.

Speaker 3 (31:09):
And early on, did you get a sense Kyle Shanahan
that one day he's going to be a head coach?

Speaker 2 (31:15):
Yeah?

Speaker 5 (31:15):
He had that swagger to him. He was the offensive
coordinator in Cleveland. He definitely had a swagger, and he
operated as a head coach when he was there. I mean,
he was essentially an offensive head coach. It was Mike Petton,
who was a defensive guy, first year head coach, and
Kyle ran the show on offense. And you you could
definitely tell that that was in his future for sure.

Speaker 3 (31:31):
Yeah.

Speaker 5 (31:31):
And obviously his pedigree and of course and all that stuff.
So and he's a creative coach. And I believe they
got to win last week close game too.

Speaker 4 (31:39):
They did, yeah in Seattle. Yeah that's right.

Speaker 3 (31:41):
And now the question is, you know they lose uh
George Kittle for a period of time and Brock Perdy's
banged up a little bit with a toe issue. So
It'll be interesting to see how that plays out. And
we're going to get into some of the South Carolina
aspect against Vandy. But one of the things that I
know helps a quarterback is a running game. We do

(32:03):
know that, and you know, so can Lenora Sellers get
some help from the running game. But talk about your time,
how did that feel when you knew that you had
Marcus Lattimore back there?

Speaker 5 (32:15):
Gosh, not even just Marcus. I mean, he was a
generational talent, that's for sure. I didn't have many games
with Marcus. He was hurt now yeah, and then Mike
Davis came in and he carried the torch. I mean
he was an explosive every down back who could hit
a home run at any moment with a mean dead
leg and it Yeah, dude, it's a lot heck of

(32:35):
a lot easier when you're able to run the ball
early downs and know this guy is going to fall forward.
I mean Marcus Latimore and he we nicknamed his running
style the Laddie Lean because it doesn't matter when he's
hit how he's hit, He's getting positive yards.

Speaker 4 (32:49):
Getting positive yards.

Speaker 3 (32:50):
I mean, that's an offensive coordinator's best friend is a
running back.

Speaker 4 (32:53):
Who falls forward.

Speaker 5 (32:54):
Yeah, and not just that in the run game. You
know a quarterback loves his running back who knows how
to pass pros. Well, yeah, yes, and that is that
is huge now, especially now because defenses have gotten so creative.
Defensive coordinators have evolved where they know they know pass
protection schemes, they know where the vulnerability is and what's
kind of the standard pass pro calls, and so they

(33:16):
know how to attack it. And so now you're having
you know, games up front with tackling and twists and
then exotic blitzes. They know how to create hot situations.
So running back who not only can be in every
down back but but knows how to pick up pass
pro is huge.

Speaker 3 (33:33):
That's where some guys can make their living because they
have that ability, and some guys don't get out on
the field because their liability from a pass pro perspective.

Speaker 5 (33:42):
I just saw James White go in the Hall of
Fame over there at Wisconsin, and he was he made
a living. I mean, he was a great player, but
he was a third down back that could catch it
out of the back Beeld but he was a stud
and pass pro for Tom Brady.

Speaker 3 (33:53):
For there you go that happens as we'll continue this
Wednesday edition of the Richmond Weavers Show presented by Engles
Market right here on one O four nine Fox Sports
Upstate Connor Shaw joining us in studio much more right
after this eight six four triple seven ninety five ninety three.
That is the text line eight six four triple seven

(34:14):
ninety five ninety three if you have a question for
Connor Shall, former South Carolina quarterback, joining us here in
studio on this Wednesday edition of the Richmond Weavers Show,
presented by our good friends at Ingles Markets and Trey Falco,
with us as usual behind the board and behind the mic,
as we are talking football and more football because it

(34:35):
is college football season, NFL season. Everything is happening right now. Yes,
we're just over fifty days away from college basketball, so
I'm excited about that.

Speaker 4 (34:44):
Also, come back down right now.

Speaker 2 (34:46):
Fifty days, yes, really soon, it's coming.

Speaker 4 (34:49):
It's coming fast. Oh yes, hey.

Speaker 3 (34:51):
And as you know, Connor, now your parent, you've got kids,
time just goes even exponentially faster just because of the
kids and family and all of that. But for whatever reason,
when the calendar turns to September, and because we have
something to look forward to every single weekend. It is

(35:12):
amazing how fast it goes. And I know we've talked
about it ad nauseum here on the show, and I
know some people are probably tired of hearing.

Speaker 4 (35:20):
Oh, here we go.

Speaker 3 (35:20):
Another week is gone in this month, and another month
has gone in this year.

Speaker 4 (35:25):
But that's how it goes. September.

Speaker 2 (35:27):
Yeah, I mean, I grew up.

Speaker 5 (35:29):
You know, both of my parents are coaches, and you know,
you're so busy during football season.

Speaker 2 (35:34):
It was like clockwork.

Speaker 5 (35:35):
Every time the first game rolls around, you blink and
you're at the last game. I know they're going into
the playoffs. It does go about very fast.

Speaker 3 (35:40):
You're like, where in the hell did the time go?
And now we're looking at it. This is a third
game of the season for college football, so it's it's
coming fast, all right. So let's talk a little bit
about the South Carolina Vanderbilt matchup, because this is a
series where South Carolina has dominated this.

Speaker 2 (35:59):
Year sixteenth straight, sixteenth straight.

Speaker 3 (36:02):
Yes, yeah, So this is a team that does seem
right now to own Vandy and coach Biemer's four to
zho against Fandy trying to go for the fifth win here,
But as we've talked about, this seems to be a
different Vanderbilt team than we've seen in the past.

Speaker 4 (36:22):
And I think Clark Lee has done.

Speaker 3 (36:24):
A fantastic job right now and obviously being able to
utilize the transfer portal Diego Pavia, he seems to be
the guy that is trying to do something different at Vanderbilt.
What makes him so dangerous.

Speaker 5 (36:42):
Well, I think to begin with his mindset, like his
swagger and confidence. Yes, he always expects to win and
make a play. And you know, to your point, I
think Clark Lee has done a tremendous job in the
whole team and planting a seed of belief there that
probably hasn't been at Vanderbilt in a very long time.
Of Hey, the expectation is to win, why not Vanderbilt. Yeah,

(37:03):
you got a little bit of that and the docu
series any given Saturday, it's fun to follow and kind
of behind the curtains and the Vanderbilt program. But yeah,
and they do listen, they do some creative things with
with Diego Pavia and his skill set. They do some
option stuff out of the gun and you've got some
weapons now, and it's tough on defensive coordinators, so as
well as South Carolina's defense have played.

Speaker 2 (37:25):
They will be challenged on Saturday, for sure.

Speaker 4 (37:27):
Yeah, they definitely will.

Speaker 3 (37:28):
And I think there's a aspect of Vandy just seems
to be a more physical team than we've seen in
the past. And I think some of that is that bravado,
that that mindset that they can be physical.

Speaker 4 (37:42):
And obviously it was a big win for.

Speaker 3 (37:44):
Them last year against Alabama, being able to knock them off,
but then South Carolina takes care of business against them,
you know, So now is there somewhat of a revenge
type of factor, But is that something that players think
about revenge or avenging a loss from last year, because
this isn't a slippery slope to get caught up in
that it is.

Speaker 5 (38:05):
But you know, I go back to my own experience,
and I remember in twenty thirteen, I'm from Georgia, and
that was always the game I circled was the Georgia game.

Speaker 2 (38:12):
And I grew up a Florida.

Speaker 5 (38:14):
Fan, and there's something about that ugly g that I
wanted to be and I remember, I think I don't
know when this interview was, but I remember seeing a
clip of Diego Pavia talking to the guys over at
busting with the boys with the boys, and they asked
him a question of like, hey, what game sticks out
to you and he looked at the South Carolina gain
he said, that's the one. So that does I mean again,

(38:35):
to human nature. You got emotions wrapped up in this game.
And it's a big game for Diego Pavia, it's a
big game for Vanderbilt, it's a big game for South Carolina.
I mean again, you're we're an SEC conference play and
a loss here doesn't destroy your season, but it certainly
hinders some confidence and momentum. And in South Carolina, I

(38:56):
really cannot afford to lose a game before they get
into this game stretch.

Speaker 3 (39:00):
Yeah, and I think when you look at that schedule
what you're talking about, I mean, we talked about it
earlier before we got on air, But Vandy then at Missouri,
then home against Kentucky, and then you get into October
after a open date at LSU, home against Oklahoma, home
against Alabama, then on the road at Ole miss and

(39:23):
on the road again after an open date at Texas
A and M. That's a tough schedule. Yeah, that is
a very tough schedule. So when you look at that
even from a player perspective, Did you look ahead to players?
And I know they you don't. Are we here? We
don't look ahead. It's one game at a time. But

(39:45):
we're humans. Connor, you can't tell me people are not
looking at that schedule.

Speaker 5 (39:50):
Well, I know certainly some of the coaches are because
they have you know, they collect some of the game field. Sure,
you know, but you never look past an opponent. As
a player, you do, but you don't. I mean you
very air of who you play down the stretch, but
you know, this is certainly a game that you can't
look past on Saturday, and there's a lot of things
to clean up. You know, last year, I think the

(40:10):
turnover margin swung in South Carolina's favor in a big way.
I think the final score was twenty eight to seven
or something like that, but it felt much closer until
you get down the stretch. And I think Vanderbilt, with
the exception of some big games last year against Alabama,
you know, they came out swinging for three quarters and
then that other team just found a way to expand that.

(40:32):
You know, that differential later in the season, and you
just saw Vanderbilt against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in the.

Speaker 2 (40:38):
Second half pull away.

Speaker 5 (40:39):
Look, this team is poised to do things at Vanderbilt
for the first time, and it would be awesome the
for them to come into Columbia South Carolina and get
humbled though.

Speaker 4 (40:49):
Yeah, there you go. I love it.

Speaker 2 (40:51):
Yes.

Speaker 3 (40:51):
Now, their offense right now seems to be very efficient,
number four in offensive efficiency. Granted it's just two weeks,
I get that, so it's small sample size, but they
are averaging forty four and a half points per game,
six passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, and the defense is
also pretty solid, only allowing just under three yards per

(41:12):
carry eighty one rushing yards per game, ranking six nationally
in run defense. And so we talked about that Lenora
Sellers can he make some plays with his legs and
also get some help from the running game. So it's
going to be important not just from being able to
establish some type of running game, but to be able
to do that. It's that offensive line that you talked

(41:33):
about has to help Lenora Sellers here.

Speaker 5 (41:35):
Yeah, and if there's anything that we've learned about Lenoris
early in his career so far, is he does have
that it factor when it comes down to I have
to go make a pluy, no doubt, I've got to
move the.

Speaker 2 (41:45):
Chains, I've got to go score.

Speaker 5 (41:47):
I mean, you saw it in big games in the
month of November last year down the stretch, and you know,
I feel very confident in a game like this with Leonoris,
where he's got that competitive swagger about him and has
the skill set to go make a play when he
needs to and put on that superman k when he
needs to.

Speaker 4 (42:02):
That's right.

Speaker 3 (42:03):
And I think part of it too is that can
South Carolina get some explosive plays, whether that's with Leonora
Sillers in his legs being able to make those big plays,
or can he get some receivers open, you know, over
the top however it is for Mike Schula to open
up the offense.

Speaker 2 (42:19):
I totally agree.

Speaker 5 (42:20):
And I think one thing that we haven't mentioned much,
at least in South Carolina State game is, boy, we've
had terrible field position.

Speaker 4 (42:27):
Oh good point.

Speaker 5 (42:27):
Yes, I mean I felt like we were backed up
the whole night, at least the first three quarters. I mean,
we had some obviously explosive plays and special teams, but man,
we could not cross the fifty. Heck, we didn't get
a first down, you know, the first four drives, I think,
but field possession in this type of game.

Speaker 2 (42:44):
Is going to matter, no doubt.

Speaker 5 (42:45):
You need to have a healthy field position when you
touch the ball on offense. And I think you've got
to limit the opportunities that Diego gets. You can't allow
him to touch the ball all night.

Speaker 4 (42:55):
You know, have to get him off the field.

Speaker 2 (42:57):
That's right.

Speaker 5 (42:58):
I mean, I think going into it, he certainly wants
some explosive plays, but man, you want the time of possession.

Speaker 2 (43:03):
In your favor.

Speaker 4 (43:03):
Yeah, that's a good point, too long.

Speaker 5 (43:04):
Sustaining drives and converting third downs and capitalizing when you
get in the red zone and don't turn the ball over.

Speaker 2 (43:09):
And you know that's right. Just keep that joker on
the sideline.

Speaker 3 (43:12):
Exactly, keep him because that's where he can't hurt you
when he's on the sideline. That's the problem. You give
him too many opportunities. And that's the same way with
Lenora Sellers. Yep, you give him too many opportunities. And
that's the other thing. Looking at just the average number
of plays that South Carolina has run right now, I
think it's one hundred and thirteen total plays.

Speaker 4 (43:31):
In two games.

Speaker 3 (43:32):
I mean you're looking at you know, basically sixty plays
per game.

Speaker 4 (43:37):
That's just not enough.

Speaker 2 (43:38):
It's not enough.

Speaker 5 (43:39):
And both quarterbacks, I think when they get into a rhythm,
when you allow them.

Speaker 2 (43:43):
To create a spark, it's watch out.

Speaker 5 (43:45):
Yes, when they start to fefident, Yes, and their game
starts to elevate.

Speaker 4 (43:50):
The momentum, that's exactly right, changes pretty quickly, that's right.

Speaker 5 (43:53):
And then you know the South Carolina State game, you
couldn't get Lenori's going much and it kind of stalled
out for a while. But if you come out swinging,
you let that guy get in.

Speaker 2 (44:02):
A groove early.

Speaker 5 (44:03):
You let a guy like Diego Pavia getting a groove early.
You know, those guys can create some magic.

Speaker 4 (44:07):
There is no question they definitely can.

Speaker 3 (44:10):
All Right, We're going to wrap up our one of
this Wednesday edition of the Richmond Weaver Show presented by
Ingles Markets with Connor Shawl in studio with us Today
much more right after this, wrapping up Our one of
this Wednesday edition of the Richmond Weavers Show presented by
Ingles Markets. Right here on one O four nine Fox
Sports Upstate that we have been jam packed talking South

(44:31):
Carolina football and a little bit of SEC football. We
do have Georgia, Tennessee this weekend. Also is Connor Shaw,
former South Carolina quarterback, joining us in studio, and so
again we talked about it. This is when it starts happening.
The rubber meets the road in some of these SEC games.

Speaker 5 (44:48):
Yeah, I mean, speaking of that game, I'm excited to
see what Gunner Stockton does on his He had some
big time games and moments last year for sure, but
this is the first time going on the road in
a very hostile territory and Neiland Stadium when they're good,
it is a tough place to play. And I think
it's a three thirty kick there, yes, But yeah, the
Georgia Bulldogs. You know gunnerstocked that, I'm known him since

(45:10):
he was a little little kid up there in Raven County.
Played for my older brother at Raymond County High School.
So seeing him, you know, grow up and pulling for him,
not that ugly g but pulling for the quarterback and right, yeah, yeah,
it'll be a fun match up to see that one too.

Speaker 4 (45:26):
I love it well.

Speaker 3 (45:26):
Also, it's just crazy small world that we did make
the connection that your brother Jabo is the head coach
in Dawsonville, Georgia at Dalsonville High School and my nephew
is the quarterback there gun Yes, which.

Speaker 5 (45:42):
They got to win last week and they're on a
bye week, so it's always nice to have a bye
week after a win.

Speaker 3 (45:47):
After a win, we just talked about that, you don't
want to buy a week after a loss, only after
a win. Well, Connor can't thank you enough for joining us.
We look forward to it each Wednesday, break down South
Carolina football and talk football and.

Speaker 4 (46:00):
Even the SEC.

Speaker 3 (46:01):
And you know, anytime you're welcome, but we know each
Wednesday we'll be able to talk.

Speaker 2 (46:05):
I see you boys next Wednesday.

Speaker 5 (46:07):
And Trey, I gotta say, man, you have like a legit,
legendary last name, Shane Falcoke.

Speaker 3 (46:11):
I mean, come on, yes right Hour two of the
Richmond Weavers Show presented by Ingles Markets.

Speaker 4 (46:17):
Right after this