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Gamecocks Stun Clemson: LaNorris Sellers Leads South Carolina to a Historic Victory and CFP Contention

CLEMSON, S.C. — The South Carolina Gamecocks delivered a dramatic upset over the Clemson Tigers in the Palmetto Bowl, securing a 17-14 win in Week 14 that has catapulted them into College Football Playoff (CFP) discussions. South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was the star of the show, cementing his case as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate with a heroic performance that included a game-winning 20-yard touchdown run with just over a minute left on the clock. The CC News Network was in Clemson covering this amazing feat by USC.

A Season-Defining Victory

With the victory, South Carolina improved to 9-3 and now holds a strong argument for one of the coveted at-large bids in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Gamecocks entered the game ranked No. 15, while Clemson stood at No. 12. The win is expected to propel South Carolina further up the rankings, potentially putting them in prime position to secure their spot in the postseason.

“This is what Gamecock football is all about,” head coach Shane Beamer said. “Our guys fought until the very end, and LaNorris Sellers showed why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.”

LaNorris Sellers for Heisman

Sellers was nothing short of electrifying. The sophomore quarterback tallied 166 rushing yards, including two touchdowns, and added precision passing to keep the Clemson defense on its heels. His ability to dominate high-pressure situations has many questioning why he isn’t already at the forefront of the Heisman conversation.

“Not only is Sellers one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, but he’s also proven to be a leader who thrives in the biggest moments,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “If he’s not in New York for the Heisman ceremony, it’s a mistake.”

Gamecocks in the College Football Playoff?

The victory places South Carolina squarely in the playoff conversation. With several top teams suffering losses in Week 14, including Ohio State and Miami, the path to the CFP is clearer than ever for the Gamecocks. The updated rankings on Tuesday will be pivotal, but the Gamecocks have a legitimate shot at moving into the top 12 and earning an at-large bid.

How the CFP Scenarios Play Out

Key factors working in South Carolina’s favor:

Ohio State’s Loss: OSU’s defeat against rival Michigan opens the door for the Gamecocks to leapfrog into a higher ranking.
Miami’s Loss: Miami’s defeat opens the door for the Gamecocks to leapfrog into a higher ranking.
ACC Championship Shakeup: Clemson’s loss and subsequent appearance in the ACC Championship against SMU guarantees only one ACC team will make the playoffs.
Championship Week Chaos: Losses by other teams ranked above South Carolina, such as Indiana or Boise State, could solidify the Gamecocks’ spot.

If South Carolina makes the CFP, it would mark their first-ever appearance and a crowning achievement in Shane Beamer’s tenure.

Clemson Falls Short

For Clemson, the loss was a gut-wrenching end to their playoff aspirations. Quarterback Cade Klubnik had a chance to redeem the Tigers in the final seconds, driving the team to South Carolina’s 18-yard line. However, an ill-fated pass attempt, on a bad play call by Dabo Swinney, resulted in a game-sealing interception by Gamecocks linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.

“We needed this win, and we didn’t get it done,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney admitted. “It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

A Dominant South Carolina Defense

South Carolina’s defense stifled Clemson in key moments, forcing three turnovers and holding the Tigers’ potent offense scoreless in the second half. The Gamecocks also dominated the ground game, rushing for 267 yards, a week after Clemson’s defense allowed 288 rushing yards to The Citadel.

That’s better https://t.co/wpigybxYrw pic.twitter.com/5pkNICBBQ9

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 1, 2024

What’s Next?

With the win, South Carolina now awaits the CFP rankings to determine their playoff fate. For Clemson, their hopes hinge on winning the ACC Championship against SMU on Dec. 7 in Charlotte, which would secure an automatic playoff berth.

As the college football world watches the rankings unfold, one thing is clear: LaNorris Sellers and the Gamecocks have arrived as a force to be reckoned with, and both the Heisman and the CFP should take note.

Stay tuned to the CC News Network as this remarkable season continues to unfold for South Carolina football.

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