By Jordan Kaye
September 16, 2025
South Carolina football left its loss to Vanderbilt with more questions than answers — especially about quarterback LaNorris Sellers and the offense.
The Gamecocks had beaten Vanderbilt 16 straight times, dating back to 2008, before Saturday’s 31-7 defeat. That streak spanned five presidential elections, yet it ended with a performance that exposed old issues.
This isn’t the first time South Carolina’s offense has looked shaky early. Last season, the unit sputtered for months before showing real improvement in November. Sellers found rhythm, the running game clicked, and receivers like Nyck Harbor began making tough plays. That late surge built hope that this year’s group could turn things around again.
There’s a case to be made that the offense is close. If Sellers avoids a red-zone interception, if he doesn’t get hurt, if the team converts fourth downs, avoids fumbles, and cuts penalties — the Gamecocks might have dominated Vanderbilt. Coach Shane Beamer echoed that optimism, saying, “We have to fix the things that are issues and enhance the things we’re doing well.”
But not everyone is convinced. Some fans see a deeper problem. Sellers left the game with an apparent concussion, and Beamer says he’s “optimistic” he’ll play against Missouri — but doubts remain. South Carolina ranks near the bottom of the SEC in every major offensive category: next-to-last in scoring, last in total and rushing offense, and near the bottom in passing.
Critics point to shaky coaching, unproven running backs, and the gamble of relying on freshmen receivers. What happened against Vanderbilt, they argue, wasn’t a fluke — it was a glimpse of a tough season ahead.
The truth is probably somewhere in between. Yes, the offense has shown flashes of promise, but “close” means little without actual results. The team entered the year with playoff ambitions. If they don’t rebound quickly — starting with Missouri — those hopes may soon vanish.
You can only be close for so long before reality sets in
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