Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz had one major concern on his mind during Tuesday’s press conference: the health of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
The first question Drinkwitz fielded was about Sellers’ status, and even as he wrapped up, he asked reporters, “Did Shane (Beamer) announce anything at his press conference?”
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer provided no new updates on Tuesday, instead pointing to the official SEC injury report that will be released Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Sellers is reportedly dealing with a concussion sustained late in the second quarter of Saturday’s 31-7 loss to Vanderbilt.
Despite the uncertainty, Drinkwitz said he expects to see the sophomore on the field. “I anticipate LaNorris to play,” he said, calling Sellers “a cut above” the rest of the quarterbacks in the SEC and praising his ability to make plays.
If Sellers is sidelined, senior Luke Doty would start against Missouri. Doty replaced Sellers against Vanderbilt, finishing 18-of-27 for 148 yards with an interception. Drinkwitz noted his history with the veteran quarterback, saying he recruited Doty while working at NC State from 2016–18. Doty also played against Missouri in 2020, throwing for 130 yards and rushing for 59 in that contest.
“Luke Doty has played a lot of college football. We played against him before. Really don’t think their scheme is going to change any,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s not LaNorris but he is a good, capable player. There are not two stylistic differences in the way that quarterback position is going to be played. So we are going to anticipate LaNorris to play but we will adjust if he does not.”
Sellers torched Missouri in 2024, posting one of his best career outings with 353 passing yards and five touchdowns in a Gamecock victory. Missouri transfer safety Jalen Catelon, however, said the Tigers are focused more on South Carolina’s scheme than who is under center.
“You focus on the scheme and what they try to do and where they try to put people at,” Catelon said. “Both quarterbacks have really good movement outside the pocket, making things happen. So it is all about containing, looking at the details, and making sure everyone does their job.”
Missouri has also faced quarterback adversity this year. Starter Sam Horn fractured his right tibia on the first play of the season and is out for the year. Penn State transfer Beau Pribula has stepped up, completing 76% of his passes for 791 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Tigers’ offense hasn’t missed a beat thanks to the explosive play of running back Ahmad Hardy, who rushed for 250 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win over Louisiana.
