Vicari Swain Steals the Show as Gamecocks Beat SC State
Much of the preseason chatter around South Carolina football revolved around quarterback LaNorris Sellers and his early Heisman buzz. But through two weeks, the Gamecocks’ most electric playmaker has been redshirt sophomore defensive back Vicari Swain.
Swain delivered yet another highlight-filled night in Columbia on Saturday, returning two punts for touchdowns in No. 10 South Carolina’s 38-10 win over SC State. With three punt-return scores already this season, Swain has tied the program’s single-season record before the middle of September.
Swain Strikes Twice
After a sluggish first quarter that saw South Carolina trail 3-0, Swain completely flipped the momentum. Early in the second, he sliced through Bulldog coverage for a 65-yard return to put USC on the board. Just minutes later, he scooped up a partially blocked punt and raced 42 yards for his second touchdown of the night.
Swain’s explosive plays came at a time when the Gamecocks’ offense couldn’t find its footing. “They’ve created an identity already where people will stay in their seats on fourth down,” head coach Shane Beamer said of the special teams unit.
Offense Finally Finds Rhythm
South Carolina’s offense showed life coming out of halftime. Sellers engineered an eight-play, 65-yard drive capped by a five-yard rushing touchdown from Oscar Adaway III. Moments later, linebacker Jaron Willis returned a fumble 46 yards for another score, putting USC firmly in control.
Sellers later connected with Vandrevius Jacobs on a 35-yard touchdown strike, wrapping up his night with 128 passing yards, one touchdown through the air, and 23 on the ground. Even with the win, Sellers acknowledged the offense has work to do.
“We know we have to be a lot better,” Sellers said. “We can’t rely on our defense and special teams to score three touchdowns a game. For us to go out there and begin the second half and have something going, it just shows that we didn’t start out how we wanted to, but we’re still a team that can finish.”
What’s Next
The Gamecocks move to 2-0 on the season and will host Vanderbilt (2-0) next Saturday night at 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network.
