South Carolina snapped its nearly two-month drought and returned to the win column in dominant fashion, rolling past Coastal Carolina 51–7 at Williams-Brice Stadium. But the Gamecocks did it while missing two major contributors — Nyck Harbor and Dylan Stewart — both of whom remained on the sideline in street clothes with their jerseys layered over top.
After the game, head coach Shane Beamer clarified why his stars weren’t available.
“Nyck was not able to go tonight, not totally cleared,” Beamer said. “He ran the other day and ran fast the other day, so we’re hopeful that he’ll be fine for next Saturday.”
Harbor’s absence stemmed from the injury he suffered late in last week’s heartbreaking 31–30 loss at Texas A&M. The freshman star was hurt on an 18-yard fourth-down reception that extended South Carolina’s final drive. After the play, he remained on his side motionless while trainers rushed to him. He was later taken to a College Station hospital overnight before returning to Columbia the next day. While he eventually walked off under his own power, he never reentered the game.
Stewart, meanwhile, has been battling lingering issues since earlier this month, when he appeared on the SEC injury report before the Ole Miss matchup. Even so, he pushed through and played in both road contests at Ole Miss and Texas A&M.
“Dylan kind of had something that aggravated him,” Beamer explained. “That was a question mark before the Ole Miss game when we had him questionable on the injury report the Friday night before the game. He practiced in a limited role this week, but just didn’t feel quite able to go. But I think he’ll be fine for Saturday.”
South Carolina now turns its full attention to one final rivalry showdown. The Gamecocks host Clemson in the 122nd Palmetto Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 29, with kickoff set for noon on SEC Network.
