No. 10 South Carolina (1-0) is set to host South Carolina State (1-0) on Friday, September 6, at 7 p.m. EDT on SEC Network+. Both teams opened the season with victories and will look to build momentum in this in-state matchup.
Key Numbers: South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks are coming off a 24-11 win over Virginia Tech, but the numbers suggest there’s room to improve offensively.
- Total offense: 328.0 yards per game (94th in FBS)
- Passing: 209.0 ypg (74th)
- Rushing: 119.0 ypg (89th)
- Scoring: 24.0 points per game (74th)
Defensively, South Carolina showed promise, holding Tech to just 11 points, but still landed middle of the pack statistically.
- Total defense: 336.0 yards per game (77th)
- Passing defense: 221.0 ypg (90th)
- Rushing defense: 115.0 ypg (67th)
- Scoring defense: 11.0 points per game (49th)
The Gamecocks also own one of the nation’s best turnover margins, ranking 11th in the FBS at +2, though they sit near the bottom in time of possession (114th at 25:51).
Key Numbers: South Carolina State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs opened their season with a nail-biting 16-15 win over Wofford. Their offense looked explosive through the air but still has work to do in the red zone.
- Total offense: 414.0 yards per game (28th in FCS)
- Passing: 303.0 ypg (10th)
- Rushing: 111.0 ypg (68th)
- Scoring: 16.0 points per game (65th)
On defense, South Carolina State shined, limiting Wofford to just 142 total yards.
- Total defense: 142.0 yards per game (8th in FCS)
- Passing defense: 56.0 ypg (5th)
- Rushing defense: 86.0 ypg (25th)
- Scoring defense: 15.0 points per game (31st)
Team Leaders
South Carolina:
- QB LaNorris Sellers — 209 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 63.2% completion
- RB Oscar Adaway III — 60 yards on 14 carries
- WR Nyck Harbor — 3 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD
South Carolina State:
- QB Billy Atkins — 175 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 51.5% completion
- RB KZ Adams — 50 yards on 15 carries
- WR Jalen Johnson — 6 catches, 93 yards
Last Time Out
South Carolina leaned on Sellers’ efficiency and Harbor’s big-play ability to beat Virginia Tech. Sellers finished with 209 passing yards and accounted for two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). Harbor flashed with nearly 100 yards and a score on just three receptions.
South Carolina State escaped Wofford thanks to steady passing from Atkins and strong defensive play. Johnson led all receivers with 93 yards, while Adams carried the ball 15 times for 50 yards.
What’s Next
After Friday’s in-state showdown, South Carolina will stay at home to face Vanderbilt on Sept. 13, while South Carolina State will host Bethune-Cookman the same day.
