Clemson, S.C. – The Palmetto State was buzzing at noon as South Carolina’s redshirt freshman quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, delivered a show-stopping performance in the No. 15 Gamecocks’ 27-21 victory over the No. 12 Clemson Tigers. Sellers racked up 164 passing yards and an impressive 166 rushing yards, scoring two key touchdowns on the ground to lead his team to a statement win.
After the game, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer didn’t hold back in his praise for Sellers. “Someone said they had the best player on the field. This is the best player in the country,” Beamer declared. “If [Sellers] isn’t in the Heisman conversation after this game, I don’t know who is.” While some may consider that assessment ambitious, Sellers undeniably carried the Gamecocks through moments of adversity, including bouncing back from a fourth-quarter interception that could have been costly.
Clemson’s junior quarterback put up solid numbers, throwing for 280 yards and rushing for 62, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent South Carolina from celebrating another win at Memorial Stadium, echoing their triumph there in 2022.
Playoff Hopes Dashed
Clemson entered the game needing a dominant win to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive as an at-large contender. With this loss, the Tigers (9-3) now require a Syracuse upset of Miami to secure a spot in the ACC title game against SMU.
South Carolina (9-3) also faces long odds for a playoff berth but finishes the regular season as one of the hottest teams in college football, riding a six-game winning streak.
Defense and Resilience Define the Game
In a low-scoring affair dominated by defenses for much of the day, the fourth quarter saw the Gamecocks come alive. Despite two turnovers deep in Clemson territory, South Carolina’s defense and Sellers’ clutch playmaking kept the team in contention.
On their final drive, South Carolina faced a precarious third-and-15 from Clemson’s 18-yard line after a false start and an incompletion. However, Sellers showcased his trademark resilience, scrambling past defenders for his second rushing touchdown of the game, putting the Gamecocks ahead for good.
South Carolina’s defense also played a critical role, with standout linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. leading the charge. Knight recorded 10 tackles and sealed the victory with a late-game interception.
A Historic Win for Beamer
This victory marks South Carolina’s second consecutive Palmetto Bowl win under Shane Beamer and cements his place in program history. With the win, Beamer surpasses Steve Spurrier for the most victories by a Gamecocks head coach in their first four seasons.
For Clemson, the loss likely ends their playoff aspirations, leaving the Tigers to regroup and focus on finishing the season strong.
South Carolina, meanwhile, rides high into postseason play, buoyed by Sellers’ breakout performance and a defense that continues to rise to the occasion.
