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10/10 17:03 CDT LaNorris Sellers shows up big, and South Carolina stuns No. 16
Florida 38-19 in the Swamp
LaNorris Sellers shows up big, and South Carolina stuns No. 16 Florida 38-19 in
the Swamp
By MARK LONG
AP Sports Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) --- This was the kind of performance South Carolina
expected from quarterback LaNorris Sellers all season.
Seller accounted for five touchdowns, including four passing in his best
performance in nearly two years, and the Gamecocks stunned No. 16 Florida 38-19
on Saturday to end an eight-game skid in Southeastern Conference play.
"He was a freaking dude today," said South Carolina coach Shane Beamer, who
challenged Sellers to play better two weeks ago. "Some of the throws in tight
windows, running the ball, just poised, confident."
Sellers completed 23 of 35 passes for 279 yards, finding Nyck Harbor, Mazeo
Bennett Jr., Donovan Murph and Lex Cyrus for scores against the league's worst
passing defense.
Sellers' most impressive play was a 3-yard run in the third quarter in which he
tossed aside a defender and nearly scored. He plunged in on the next play,
essentially sealing a long-awaited victory for the Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3).
South Carolina's last win in league play came against Kentucky in September
2025. Beamer's team blew four significant leads in its last five SEC games, but
the Gamecocks closed this one out without any issues and won in Gainesville for
the first time since 2014.
It was Sellers' best outing since throwing five TDs against Missouri in
November 2024.
"I knew when I signed up to play this position when I was a young kid. I knew
you get all the hate and you get all the love when we're playing good," Sellers
said. "It's just going to come with it."
The Gators (4-2, 2-2), who were double-digit favorites at home, lost a second
consecutive game in lopsided fashion and surely will fall out of the AP Top 25.
They were looking to rebound from a 45-17 shocker at then-No. 25 Missouri.
Instead, they got humiliated in the Swamp.
"We've lost two games, man," Florida linebacker Aaron Chiles said. "I don't
believe it's the end of the world."
South Carolina took control with two TD drives in the third quarter --- ending
a string of third-quarter debacles --- and did so by picking on Florida's
beleaguered secondary following a 45-minute lightning delay that extended
halftime.
When it was over, Beamer hugged both of his kids in a clear sigh of relief.
"I get it; what comes with the jobs, and we haven't been good enough," I was a
2-3 football coach coming into this game that had blown leads and lost three
SEC games in a row. I get the criticism. I do. But it's hard on your families
because they don't sign up for it."
Florida struggled to run the ball again --- Jadan Baugh ran 15 times for 59
yards and a garbage-time touchdown --- quarterback Aaron Philo turned the ball
over twice and the Gators were gouged on defense while failing to generate
enough pressure on Sellers.
More noticeable: Coach Jon Sumrall got booed for the first time since taking
over in Gainesville. Fans showed their displeasure with Sumrall's clock
management at the end of the first half. The Gators ran out of time and then
missed a long field goal.
"Disappointing football," Sumrall said. "No excuse for it. Not many words that
are going to make any of it right. ... I'm frustrated with every part of what
we did today."
Stewart returns after a one-game suspension Highly touted South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart returned from a one-game suspension and forced two fumbles. Stewart was suspended for throwing a punch at an Alabama player two weeks ago and missed last week's overtime loss to Kentucky. Key injuries South Carolina: Starting cornerback Judge Collier left in the first half with a concussion. Florida: Backup running back Duke Clark hobbled to the locker room just before halftime. The Gators also played their second consecutive game without leading receiver Vernell Brown III (knee). The takeaway South Carolina: This is the kind of performance the Gamecocks have been waiting for. Talent was never an issue, which explains why Beamer was under so much heat amid a three-game skid this season. Florida: The Gators are unlikely to fix their issues anytime soon. Both lines of scrimmage need to be overhauled, and they probably need to sign four new cornerbacks before next season. Up next South Carolina gets a week off before hosting No. 15 Tennessee on Oct. 24. Florida will try to avoid a three-game skid next Saturday at top-ranked Texas. ___ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP's full college football coverage here |
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