Shane Beamer Declares Gamecocks CFP-Worthy After Thrilling Win Over Clemson
CLEMSON, S.C. — South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer didn’t hold back after his 16th-ranked Gamecocks pulled off yet another heart-stopping victory. With a confident grin and a tone that left no room for doubt, Beamer made his case loud and clear: his team belongs in the College Football Playoff.
“It’s hard for me to say we’re not one of the 12 best teams in the country,” Beamer said, still riding the high of South Carolina’s dramatic 17-14 win over No. 12 Clemson on Saturday. The victory marked the Gamecocks’ sixth straight win, a streak that includes four triumphs over ranked opponents. If the College Football Playoff committee is paying attention, Beamer’s message was unmistakable: “If the committee’s job is to pick the 12 best teams, you tell me.”
LaNorris Sellers: The Freshman Phenomenon
At the heart of South Carolina’s surge is freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who continues to dazzle with his poise, athleticism, and knack for delivering in the clutch. Sellers was the hero once again, scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 20-yard run with just 1:08 left on the clock. The play was a masterpiece of improvisation, as Sellers spun away from Clemson defender Peter Woods, broke through the line, and cut left to find the end zone.
Sellers finished the game with 166 yards rushing and 164 yards passing, a testament to his dual-threat capabilities. Just two games ago, he set career highs with 353 passing yards and five touchdown throws in a thrilling 34-30 comeback win over Missouri. Despite throwing a costly interception near Clemson’s goal line with less than 11 minutes remaining, Sellers kept his composure, leading his team to a field goal and then orchestrating the game-winning drive.
When asked how he manages to evade defenders and make magic happen, Sellers humbly replied, “I don’t really know.” But Beamer had a more definitive answer: “He’s a competitor, he’s a warrior. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He’s out there having fun.”
Gamecocks’ Postseason Hopes Soar
With a 9-3 record (5-3 SEC; No. 15 CFP), the Gamecocks are brimming with confidence as they await the announcement of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field. Their recent run of success, capped by Saturday’s victory, has them believing they can compete for a national championship. And why not? With Sellers leading the charge, anything seems possible.
“He’s a magician, man,” said linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.. “LeMagic, LeComeback, whatever you want to call him.”
Clemson’s Late Push Falls Short
For Clemson (9-3, 7-1 ACC, No. 12), the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Tigers had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, driving to South Carolina’s 18-yard line with 16 seconds left. But quarterback Cade Klubnik was intercepted by Knight, sealing the Gamecocks’ victory and ending Clemson’s hopes of a CFP berth.
“He’s a great player and made great plays,” Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter said of Sellers, whose elusiveness and playmaking ability proved too much for the Tigers’ defense to handle.
Despite the loss, Clemson’s postseason dreams aren’t entirely dashed. The Tigers will be rooting for Syracuse to upset No. 8 Miami later Saturday, a result that would send Clemson to the ACC title game against SMU next week.
Defensive Stalemate Early On
Both teams entered the game riding impressive winning streaks—Clemson with three straight victories and South Carolina with five. But the first half was a defensive slugfest, with neither team able to find much rhythm offensively.
- Sellers was sacked by T.J. Parker, who also recovered a fumble deep in Clemson territory.
- Clemson drove to South Carolina’s 11-yard line but opted to go for it on fourth-and-1 instead of kicking a field goal. Running back Phil Mafah was stopped short by Jalon Kilgore and Knight.
- Klubnik accounted for both of Clemson’s touchdowns with scoring runs of 13 and 18 yards.
But in the end, it was Sellers and the Gamecocks who made the plays that mattered most, extending their longest winning streak since 2012 and solidifying their case as one of the nation’s top teams.
As the College Football Playoff committee deliberates, one thing is certain: South Carolina has made its statement. Now, it’s up to the selectors to decide if the Gamecocks’ magical run will continue on the sport’s biggest stage.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
