COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers reflected on the Gamecocks’ heartbreaking 29-22 loss to No. 4 Alabama, where he totaled 222 passing yards, 67 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in an impressive but bittersweet performance. Despite his strong showing, a late fumble proved costly as Alabama rallied in the final minutes to secure the win.
Here’s everything Sellers said following the loss at Williams-Brice Stadium.
On the Late Fumble
“We had a QB draw in, so we ran to the middle, and I had two hands on it because I knew they were trying to strip it,” Sellers explained. “I had two hands on it, and I’m thinking the refs were gonna blow the whistle. As soon as I started to fall down, when I was going to catch myself, that’s when I took my other hand off, and I guess that’s when they got under it.”
When asked about his thoughts right after the turnover, Sellers admitted, “I mean, just trying to think a little bit about what I would have done differently in that situation. Just seeing the replay, thinking about what I should have done different.”
On His Passing Success Against Alabama
Sellers said the team’s approach opened things up offensively:
“We just spread them out a little bit more. Just trusting the protection, trusting guys around me, and taking what I saw. Just trusting the game plan we have.”
On Balancing the Good and the Bad
“There were some good, but there was some bad as well,” Sellers said. “But we ultimately lost the game. That’s what’s going through my head.”
On the Interception Off Rahsul Faison’s Hands
“Yeah, we talked about it and it’s just something that didn’t go our way,” Sellers said. “Sometimes with football, things go your way. Sometimes there’s things that just go their way.”
On Whether This Game Could Spark a Turnaround
Asked if the Alabama game could fuel a late-season push, Sellers replied, “Yeah, we go out expecting to win every game, just like we do every week.”
On Adjustments to the Offensive Game Plan
Sellers credited the staff for changing things up after struggles in previous games.
“Just making them cover the whole field, really,” he said. “Last week, Oklahoma pretty much stacked the box a lot, and we just wanted to get those guys on the move, just get them in space.”
He also responded to Coach Shane Beamer’s comments about simplifying the offense:
“Whatever’s best for the team, really. That’s just simplifying the game plan and keeping it small. That’s what we’re going to keep doing. If it don’t work, we’ll throw it out and try something else.”
On Developing Chemistry with Jayden Sellers
Sellers spoke highly of his connection with freshman wide receiver Jayden Sellers.
“Super comfortable. I’m glad he’s getting out there and getting that experience,” he said. “That fourth-down play was kind of like a busted play where he just was smart in the situation and recognized the coverage. He’s just a smart player, starting fast, starting on the fly.”
On the Offensive Line’s Performance
Sellers praised his linemen for their resilience.
“Yeah, they did play well. They played a lot better,” he said. “We always knew they can do it. Those guys fight through all the adversity they’ve been through this season. They still keep their heads down and work. We go as they go. If they have a big game, we’ll have a big game.”
On Getting Nyck Harbor More Involved
“Yeah, definitely,” Sellers said. “He’s 6-5 so you can’t really miss him. If they’re going to take away that guy, it’s pretty much we’ve got to do something else.”
On the Back-and-Forth Atmosphere
“I think it’s just a part of SEC football,” Sellers said. “It’s just like, things go good for us, then something bad happens. We’ve just gotta keep it — not staying low, just staying level.”
Despite the loss, Sellers’ performance was one of his best of the season, showing growth, composure, and leadership. However, as he admitted, “Ultimately, we lost the game. That’s what’s going through my head”.
