LaNorris Sellers’ hopes for the Heisman trophy might be dashed, yet his performance on the field will be remembered in South Carolina for quite some time.
The quarterback maneuvered his way through Tennessee’s defense to equalize late in the game, enabling the Gamecocks to clinch a 27-24 victory with a dramatic walk-off field goal following a fumble recovery.
With about three and a half minutes left, Tennessee attempted to convert a 4th and 1 at their own 38-yard line but failed. South Carolina seized the opportunity, advancing downfield and scoring a touchdown that you truly have to witness to appreciate.
On a pivotal 3rd and goal from the 4, Sellers initially faced resistance but persisted, nearly going down at the 1. Just as it seemed he would be stopped, he stretched out for the end zone and managed to score. The ensuing point-after-touchdown tied the game at 24 with only 1:17 remaining on the clock.
Unfortunately for Tennessee, they had a chance to respond, but just a few plays into their possession, George MacIntyre fumbled, and the Gamecocks recovered at the Vols’ 34-yard line with 33 seconds left.
After four plays, Malik Orsan nailed a 48-yard field goal as time expired, sending South Carolina fans rushing onto the field in jubilation.
This victory marked an unusual feat—South Carolina had previously been 1-28 when down by seven or more points in the fourth quarter under coach Shane Beamer. Moreover, the Gamecocks have now secured back-to-back wins against ranked opponents, recently upsetting Florida in Gainesville.
Sellers was a standout for South Carolina, leading the team with 96 rushing yards on 18 attempts, scoring two touchdowns. They initially surged ahead 14-0 in the first quarter but allowed Tennessee to claw their way back into contention.
Now at 4-3 for the season and 2-3 within the SEC, South Carolina has a bit of momentum. For Tennessee, this marks their second loss of the season against six wins, sitting at 3-2 in conference play. This defeat likely complicates their hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff, but the first CFP poll doesn’t come out until November 3.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will need to regroup quickly, starting their effort against No. 12 Kentucky in two weeks at home, while South Carolina prepares to host Oklahoma next week.
