In a dramatic finish at Williams‑Brice Stadium, South Carolina turned a late fumble into a walk‑off field goal to defeat No. 11 Tennessee 27‑24. The comeback highlighted the resilience of the Gamecocks and the heroics of quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Late‑game heroics
With 3:30 left in the fourth quarter, the Volunteers faced a 4th‑and‑1 at the South Carolina 38‑yard line. Tennessee’s attempt was stopped, giving the Gamecocks a chance to mount a final drive. Sellers, who had already rushed for 96 yards on 18 carries, led the offense down the field.
On 3rd‑and‑goal from the 4‑yard line, Sellers scrambled right, was initially tackled at the 3‑yard line, and then fought his way to the 1‑yard line. As defenders converged, he leapt and stretched the ball across the goal line for a touchdown. The extra point tied the game at 24‑24 with 1:17 remaining.
Tennessee’s fumble and the game‑winning kick
On the very next drive, Tennessee’s George MacIntyre mishandled the ball on the third play, losing possession at South Carolina’s 34‑yard line with 33 seconds left. The Gamecocks recovered the fumble and set up a final series.
Four plays later, senior kicker Malik Orsan nailed a 48‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero, giving South Carolina a 27‑24 walk‑off victory. The stadium erupted as fans stormed the field in celebration.
Season context
The win improves South Carolina’s record to 4‑3 overall and 2‑3 in SEC play. It also marks the Gamecocks’ second consecutive victory over a ranked opponent, following a stunning upset of Florida in Gainesville earlier this season.
Under head coach Shane Beamer, the Gamecocks have now gone 1‑28 when trailing by seven or more points in the fourth quarter, making this comeback all the more significant.
Looking ahead
South Carolina will host Oklahoma next week, while Tennessee heads to Knoxville to face No. 12 Kentucky in two weeks. The Volunteers’ loss could jeopardize their chances for a College Football Playoff berth, though the first CFP poll is not released until Nov. 3.
Both teams will look to build on the momentum from this game as the SEC season enters its crucial stretch.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
