LaNorris Sellers Reacts to South Carolina’s 24-11 Win Over Virginia Tech
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was at the heart of the Gamecocks’ season-opening victory against Virginia Tech on Sunday, throwing for 209 yards and scoring two total touchdowns. After the 24-11 win, Sellers shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, his connection with teammates, and what it meant to start the season strong.
On the overall team performance
Sellers praised the collective effort:
“Oh, yeah, we just preach on playing complementary football, like special teams picking up the offense, offense picking up defense, defense-offense, vice-versa. I think we did a good job of that today.”
On the deep pass to Nyck Harbor
The highlight of the game came when Sellers connected with Nyck Harbor for a 64-yard touchdown. He explained that it was a play they had been waiting to unleash:
“(It’s) been a staple in our offense pretty much. We just like that it just has an answer versus pretty much everything. … When we got it, the safety came down, we just knew we had it.”
On freshmen making their debut
Sellers was impressed with the young players who saw action for the first time:
“I’m glad they weren’t shell-shocked or anything. It’s a new environment for them, in front of a lot more people than they have in high school. I think they did pretty good for their first game.”
On Nyck Harbor’s growth
The sophomore wideout drew plenty of praise from Sellers:
“Consistent growth, honestly. He’s putting in the work for it. Glad he’s coming out there to shine. … He’s more comfortable catching the ball. He just looks more natural.”
On the first offensive drive
South Carolina struck quickly on their opening possession, which ended in a Sellers rushing touchdown:
“We just came out of the gate and said we’re going straight at them. That’s pretty much what we did. We’ve got to keep up, keep doing that.”
On winning in a high-profile matchup
Sellers reflected on what it meant to beat a program with Virginia Tech’s history:
“I mean, it always feels good to get a win. It’s a hard win, that’s a good team. … Just to go out, fight like we did, (and) come through in the fourth quarter. It just felt good.”
On Virginia Tech’s defense
The Hokies adjusted after the opening drive, which slowed USC’s offense for a stretch:
“We knew going into the game we’re just going to have to have answers for everything they had. … A lot of stuff that we had, we just had answers versus all of that in particular plays. And then the struggling part, I mean, it’s just football. You’re going to have some ups and downs, but you’ve got to keep going, keep pushing through and fighting.”
On his physical running style
Sellers made several tough plays late in the game, shrugging off would-be tacklers:
“Um, it’s a mixture of things, really. Like, if I break this tackle, who else is coming? … But, got-to-have-it moments, (Mike Shula) told me before he called it, we’re running you right here. Protect the ball and end the game. That’s what I went and did.”
On knowing when to run
His dual-threat ability forces defenses to stay on guard:
“It opens it up a lot. It gives them a lot that they have to take into account for. … We’ve got a triple option, all of that. It’s a lot to prepare for.”
On Vicari Swain’s punt return touchdown
Sellers was thrilled to see the special teams spark:
“With Beamer and Joe D, they’re going to gamble on special teams every time. … Vicari makes plays all the time. … Everybody in the building knows he can do that. A lot of people didn’t know he had that in him, but we knew since he got here.”
On his first touchdown run
Sellers laughed about his decision to lower his shoulder rather than avoid the defender:
“No, I probably could have gone right, but when I was gonna go right, he jumped right, and when I went left, he jumped left, so I was kind of like, it’s right there. Just go through him.”
With Sellers leading the way, South Carolina left Atlanta with a 1-0 record and plenty of optimism about what’s to come.
