Finally the Gamecocks have something to celebrate as they capture their first SEC win of the season. After three consecutive losses in conference play this season (eight in a row over the last two seasons), countless mistakes, and growing frustration around the program, South Carolina takes down no. 16 Florida. 

With growing doubt that the Gamecocks could close out a game, they came out of the locker room eager this game. 

Is Sellers back in his groove?

If there was one player that had something to prove Saturday night, it was LaNorris Sellers. Sellers has faced plenty of criticism this season, much of it justified. Inconsistency in the passing game, questionable decisions, and identity struggles have all been factors to the Gamecocks less than ideal start. 

Against Florida, Sellers looked like the quarterback South Carolina knew he could be and the weapon they knew had potential. Sellers completed 23 of 35 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. Also adding another touchdown on the ground. Harbor, Bennett, Murph, and Cyrus all received touchdown passes. This week has been the second week Sellers has shown improvement on the season. He used his own athleticism along with a solid passing game to produce an effective game. 

The second half we’ve been waiting for

This season the second half has been South Carolina’s worst enemy. South Carolina allowed halftime leads against Mississippi State and Kentucky slip away. Saturday presented another opportunity for South Carolina to blow another lead going into the half with a 17-10 lead, but this time, they responded. After Florida narrowed the lead to 4 points with an early 3rd quarter field goal, Sellers connected with Donovan Murph for a 26 yard touchdown to extend the lead. Sellers then found the end zone himself to extend the lead even further. A fourth quarter touchdown pass to Lex Cyrus (his first touchdown) extended the lead to 38-13 and essentially sealing the deal despite Florida’s late game touchdown to make the score 38-19. That 3rd quarter response is the what this team has been missing this season. The Gamecocks continued attacking throughout the second half, which was very encouraging coming from this team. 

The defense answers the call

South Carolina’s defense has been one of the disappointments this season. After years of success defensively, missed assignments, poor coverage, and minor mistakes that turn into major mistakes, have been a stumbling block this season. Against Florida, this team showed signs of life. Two interceptions by the Gamecocks contributed to their success as the team has struggled with the turnover battle this season. The defense wasn’t perfect but they were able to stop Florida’s rhythm and control the game. That progress is worth acknowledging and hopefully a good sign for the rest of the season.

Much-needed win for Shane Beamer

The week leading up to this game, Shane Beamer was probably under the most pressure that he’s faced as a head coach. After South Carolina’s start to the SEC season, questions started looming about Beamer’s future as the head coach. After three consecutive SEC losses this season and eight in a row overall, many fans questioned Beamer’s ability to lead this team. Today’s win over Florida doesn’t erase all the concerns and clear the air. Beamer does deserve credit for preparing this team to face a strong Florida team. Instead of letting their season spiral after a rocky start, the Gamecocks responded in all the right ways. From here, Beamer needs to continue leading this team game by game and salvage the season because expectations haven’t changed.

The turning point or a fluke?

South Carolina balances the scales with a 3-3 record going into the bye week. After they return, the schedule doesn’t get any easier with matchups against Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia, and in state rivals, Clemson. Saturday proved something though. The team is capable of competing with quality ranked opponents despite early season struggles. The talent is there. This season, struggles with consistency, discipline, and execution held the Gamecocks back. Against Florida, it all came together. Over the next few weeks we will find out whether this team can build on this performance or it will just be a bright spot in a disappointing season.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy this one, Gamecock Nation

Over the past few weeks, Gamecock fans have been wondering what could have been. I’m right there with you. A lot of what ifs fill my mind. Today, there was no need for those questions. South Carolina went into a tough environment and beat a ranked SEC opponent by 19 points. Sellers looked like a difference maker and the team found its rhythm and made crucial plays. Plenty to criticize on this season but sometimes you have to give credit where it’s due. The Gamecocks earned this one. For the first team since week 2, the Gamecocks can celebrate this Saturday and even get a bonus bye week to take it all in. The season isn’t saved yet but maybe, just maybe, this is where things start to turn around. 

FOREVER TO THEE