Live from Columbia: Gamecocks Set for Citrus Bowl Amid Transfer Drama
The South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for their New Year’s Eve showdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Amid the preparations, Robby Ashford, South Carolina’s reserve quarterback, has found himself in the spotlight. Despite entering the transfer portal, Ashford will remain with the team for the bowl game—a rare exception granted by head coach Shane Beamer.
Ashford Allowed to Stay Despite Transfer Decision
Typically, Beamer’s policy has been firm: players entering the transfer portal are not allowed to compete. However, he has made an exception for Ashford after consulting with team leaders.
“I’d say it’s a little bit of a change,” Beamer admitted. “I’ve had guys ask me to do this before, and I wouldn’t let them. [Ashford] started this thing with us. He’s been a good teammate.”
Ashford has played in eight games this season, accumulating 348 passing yards and two touchdowns, while also adding two rushing scores. His lone start came against Akron, where he showcased his dual-threat capabilities. With starter LaNorris Sellers locked in for 2025, Ashford chose to enter the portal to seek opportunities elsewhere but committed to finishing the season with his current teammates.
A Precedent Set Earlier in the Season
This is not the first time Beamer has faced this situation. Earlier in the season, Bangally Kamara, a linebacker in his first year with the Gamecocks, opted to redshirt and explore other opportunities. Beamer was less lenient in that case, asking Kamara to leave the team immediately.
“My job is to do what’s best for the team,” Beamer said at the time. “In the end, I made the decision for him that it was probably best to move on.”
Kamara exited the program in October, but Ashford’s commitment to the postseason efforts appears to have influenced Beamer’s softer stance this time.
Dowell Loggains Departs Ahead of the Bowl
While Ashford will suit up for the Citrus Bowl, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will not. Loggains, who has accepted the head coaching job at Appalachian State, had initially planned to finish the season with South Carolina. Beamer, however, decided it was best for both sides to part ways immediately.
“Mike Shula will call plays in the bowl game,” Beamer announced, jokingly adding, “Illinois can now start scouting the mid-2000s Alabama offense.”
Beamer explained that Loggains could not be fully committed to both his new role and the Gamecocks, prompting the decision.
The Game Ahead
For now, Robby Ashford remains focused on the game at hand. Despite a recent visit to UNLV as part of his transfer exploration, Beamer emphasized that Ashford’s commitment is being closely monitored.
“If I sense anything over the next few days that he’s not being a great teammate or isn’t completely committed, then we’re going to have a different conversation,” Beamer stated firmly.
South Carolina fans will be watching closely as the Gamecocks take on No. 20 Illinois on December 31, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. EST on ABC. Will Ashford get one final moment on the field in Garnet and Black? Stay tuned for updates.
