South Carolina’s hopes for a College Football Playoff berth took a significant hit Saturday night as the No. 11 Gamecocks were stunned by unranked Vanderbilt, 31-7, at Williams-Brice Stadium. The loss was compounded by an apparent head injury to quarterback LaNorris Sellers, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate.
Late in the second quarter, Sellers was hit hard by Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson, who came unblocked on a blitz. The hit, which appeared to be helmet-to-helmet, left Sellers on the ground and prompted an immediate stoppage for review. After a targeting review, Patterson was ejected from the game.
Sellers was assisted off the field and did not return. Backup quarterback Luke Doty entered the game and completed 18 of 27 passes for 148 yards, though he was unable to lead the Gamecocks to a comeback.
Head coach Shane Beamer did not have an immediate update on Sellers’ condition after the game, stating it was “way too soon” to determine the extent of the injury. The team’s medical staff will evaluate Sellers in the coming days.
Before the injury, Sellers had completed 6 of 7 passes for 94 yards but had thrown an interception and rushed for negative yards. His absence was felt as South Carolina struggled to find offensive rhythm in the second half.
The Gamecocks’ loss to Vanderbilt marks their first defeat to the Commodores since 2008, a setback that could have significant implications for their season. The team will await further updates on Sellers’ health as they prepare for their next matchup.
