COLUMBIA, S.C. — Oklahoma’s John Mateer floated a perfect strike to Isaiah Sategna in the end zone, stretching the No. 14 Sooners’ lead to 24–7 in the third quarter. That play all but sealed South Carolina’s fate, sending fans filing out of Williams-Brice Stadium toward the nearby tailgates and State Fair, searching for something more enjoyable than what they’d just witnessed.
There was little joy to be found inside the stadium as the Gamecocks fell 26–7 — a lifeless offensive showing that has now become the story of their season. What was once billed as a potential breakthrough year for Shane Beamer’s program has instead begun to spiral, raising doubts about what’s left to salvage.
“This year seems past saving,” one could argue, and even Beamer’s midseason staff shake-up hasn’t produced the spark he hoped for. Asked after the game if more changes might come, a visibly frustrated Beamer shot back, “Every week, we’re continuing to look at how to be better. And every week, I do that. And every week, I will continue to do that and continue to evaluate that.”
Beamer later softened his tone, saying he didn’t mean to sound short, but his frustration was clear. Scoring only seven points on 67 plays — including nine inside the 9-yard line and five inside the 3 — would test any coach’s patience. The crowd’s mood reflected that frustration too, with chants of “Fire Shula” (offensive coordinator Mike Shula) in the first half and “Fire Beamer” in the second.
At 2–5, another coaching switch would likely do little good. The Gamecocks’ problems run deeper — an offense crippled by poor blocking and injuries has rendered LaNorris Sellers, arguably the most gifted quarterback in school history, powerless behind a collapsing line.
The offensive staff bears much of the blame, from failing to develop touted recruits to missing on transfer-portal evaluations. At this stage, no schematic tweak will fix the protection issues that leave Sellers under constant siege.
And when there was protection, the play-calling left fans scratching their heads. On one first-and-goal from the 9, USC ran the ball twice into a wall before trying a failed zone read. Another series from the 1-yard line saw two stuffed runs before DJay Fuller was dropped for a loss out of shotgun. Sellers did connect with Nyck Harbor on fourth down for the Gamecocks’ lone touchdown — but the lack of imagination was glaring.
“Quick choice routes, slants, stuff like that. We tried to implement that a little bit more this week,” Sellers said. “We just haven’t been consistent. We knew we had to stay on the field.”
Beamer insisted there’s still reason for hope. “What gives me confidence is the way our guys practice, the fight through injuries, and I know the talent we have on offense,” he said. “I’m not — I am not — getting the most out of this team right now.”
Beamer’s teams have historically surged in November — 13–4 over his previous four seasons, including 5–0 last year — and he’ll need another late-season turnaround to avoid a wasted year. Reaching a bowl game now seems the most realistic goal for a program that’s captured just one conference title in more than 130 years.
If that doesn’t happen, Beamer faces a pivotal offseason — one that could determine whether he’s the man to lead a much-needed rebuild.
Injury update: Freshman Dylan Stewart injured his hip in the first quarter, briefly returned, and reinjured it two plays later. Beamer said he would provide an update during Sunday’s teleconference.
Suspensions: Beamer also confirmed that Brian Rowe, Anthony Addison, and Davonte Miles were suspended for violating team standards. All are expected to return next week.
