On His 34th Birthday, Gamecock Legend Connor Shaw Fights Through Health Scare as Fans Recall the “Miracle in Missouri”
On what should have been a day of celebration, South Carolina’s greatest quarterback, Connor Shaw, spent his 34th birthday in the hospital. Earlier this week, Shaw collapsed while attending his son’s football game and was admitted for treatment. The latest reports confirm that Shaw is awake, stable, and responsive as he recovers.
The timing is emotional for Gamecock Nation. Shaw’s birthday, September 19th, also falls on the eve of the Mayor’s Cup, as South Carolina prepares to face Missouri on Saturday night. For longtime fans, the matchup brings back memories of one of the greatest moments in program history—the legendary “Miracle in Missouri,” led by Shaw himself.
The 2013 Setup: An Underdog Story
Back in October 2013, the No. 20 Gamecocks entered Faurot Field for their first-ever trip to Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers were unbeaten at 7-0, ranked No. 5 in the country, and riding high with quarterback Maty Mauk and a suffocating defense.
South Carolina, meanwhile, was reeling after a heartbreaking loss to Tennessee. To make matters worse, Shaw was banged up—dealing with an injured shoulder, a torn knee ligament, and even the flu. With his status in serious doubt, backup Dylan Thompson started under center.
Thompson moved the ball but couldn’t finish drives, and costly turnovers left the Gamecocks trailing 17-0 late in the third quarter. That’s when Steve Spurrier looked to his battered senior leader. “Connor, can you go?” Spurrier asked. Without hesitation, Shaw buckled his chinstrap and limped onto the field.
The Comeback of a Lifetime
Shaw’s first drive stalled, but his second sparked hope. Connecting with Mike Davis, Jerell Adams, and Bruce Ellington, Shaw capped the possession with a sliding touchdown catch by Ellington to make it 17-7.
The defense fed off the momentum, forcing a Missouri miss. A field goal from freshman kicker Elliott Fry closed the gap to 17-10. With under five minutes left, South Carolina’s defense delivered again—Victor Hampton blew up a 3rd-and-2 play, giving Shaw one final chance.
Shaw marched the Gamecocks 69 yards with precision, hitting Nick Jones on an out route for the game-tying touchdown with 42 seconds left. Fry’s extra point silenced Faurot Field, sending the game to overtime.
Missouri struck first in OT, but Shaw answered with a clutch 4th-and-15 strike to Ellington for the tying score. In double overtime, Fry’s field goal gave Carolina its first lead. When Missouri’s Andrew Baggett missed a potential equalizer off the upright, the upset was complete—27-24, South Carolina.
In just over a quarter and overtime, Shaw went 20-of-29 for 201 yards and three touchdowns, securing one of the most iconic wins in program history. Carried off the field, clutching the Mayor’s Cup, Shaw embodied the grit and fight that defined his career.
Shaw’s Legacy
That night was more than just a victory; it was a snapshot of Shaw’s entire career. He was injured, written off, and facing impossible odds—but he found a way to win. Always.
As South Carolina heads back to Missouri this weekend, fans can’t help but wonder if history might repeat itself. For now, though, all of Gamecock Nation is united in sending prayers and strength to Connor Shaw, their greatest quarterback, on his road to recovery.
Kickoff for the Mayor’s Cup is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN and the ESPN app.
