South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula met with reporters this week to break down the Gamecocks’ offense and preview their Week 7 showdown at LSU, set for a 7:45 p.m. kickoff on SEC Network. Shula offered detailed thoughts on quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the running game, tight end depth, and what it will take to stay balanced against a tough Tigers defense.
On Defining a Balanced Offense
“To me, a balanced offense is a good mix of running and throwing it,” Shula explained. “You also want to attack defenses in different ways — inside, outside, down the field, intermediate, short — all that kind of stuff.”
Asked how close South Carolina is to achieving that balance, Shula was brief but honest: “Still working towards it.”
On LaNorris Sellers’ Progress
Shula believes LaNorris Sellers is getting back to his old self after showing flashes against Kentucky.
“Yes, I do,” he said. “I think he’s working every week towards getting better.”
He praised Sellers’ all-around performance in that win.
“He made plays on all down distances, made good decisions, made some good throws, did some unbelievable things that you don’t coach, and helped us win a game.”
On Running Back Matt Fuller
Shula highlighted Matt Fuller’s physicality and potential, saying, “Matt is still learning and growing as we go. He’s hard-nosed and hard to tackle. Every time he got hit, he was going forward, not backward.”
He added that Fuller is developing more consistency in practice: “He’s gotten more comfortable with his assignments, both with the ball and without it. Sometimes you just have to trust a young player, put him in there, and let him learn through game experience — and that’s what Matt’s done.”
On Tight End Depth After Michael Smith’s Departure
With Michael Smith entering the transfer portal, Shula praised the progress of the remaining tight ends.
“Brady (Hunt) has done a good job. He’s smart, understands our offense, and has improved his run blocking. Jordan (Dingle) is tough, hard-nosed, and getting more comfortable. Moe (Brown) has been explosive, powerful, and done things we didn’t ask him to do last year.”
On Vandervius Jacobs’ Consistency
When asked about Vandervius Jacobs, Shula credited his work ethic: “Hard work. He’s very conscientious about doing things right. If they’re not right, he wants to make sure he gets it right the next time.”
On the Running Game and Missed Opportunities
Head coach Shane Beamer previously said the running backs have “left some yards out there.” Shula agreed the entire offense shares responsibility.
“When you have success, it’s not just one position. When you don’t, it’s the same thing. You coach hard on every play, teach the fine points, and make sure there’s clear communication. The best way to learn is through game experience.”
On Defenses Adjusting to Nyck Harbor
Shula said teams are giving Nyck Harbor more space to avoid deep threats.
“They’re playing him a little softer. He’s also been challenged in press coverage. The key for him is being precise — precise with routes, timing, and making adjustments on the run.”
On LSU’s Tiger Stadium Atmosphere
Shula, who has played in Baton Rouge before, called Tiger Stadium one of the best environments in college football.
“It’s a really cool place. That was probably one of the original stadiums everyone talked about being the loudest. They’ve got great fans — but I’ve learned South Carolina does, too. It’s why we coach here and why our guys come to the SEC.”
On Sellers’ Decision-Making at the Line
Shula explained Sellers’ freedom to read defenses and adjust plays.
“There are certain plays where he can decide to run or hand off before or after the snap. We keep it simple so he can play fast and make confident decisions. He’s a unique runner, but we want him making smart decisions that keep drives alive.”
On Offensive Line Progress
Shula believes the offensive line is improving despite constant rotation.
“I think we’re getting better,” he said. “It’s been a different group every week. Coach (Lonnie) Teasley has done a great job having guys learn multiple positions. Has it been pretty at times? No, but there have been moments where we ran the football well and finished games strong.”
Shula added that closing out the Kentucky game was a sign of progress:
“It wasn’t flashy, but we did what we needed to do — run the ball, control the clock, and help our defense. There are a lot of good things we can build on from that.”
In short: Shula’s message was clear — South Carolina’s offense is still a work in progress, but confidence is growing. With Sellers improving, young talent emerging, and LSU next on the schedule, the Gamecocks aim to keep their momentum rolling into another Saturday night under the SEC lights.
