Why Lanorris Sellers Could Win the Heisman

By: Cooper Hill

Going into his second year as a starter for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Sellers is a serious contender for the Heisman. As a redshirt freshman, he threw for 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, while rushing for 674 yards and 7 more touchdowns. Lanorris proved himself early on last year taking Carolina to a bowl game and going 9-4. With receiver weapons, Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennett Jr. and true freshman Donovan Murph, Sellers could see a lot of success. All receivers have extremely good potential to have breakout seasons due to Sellers. Not only can Sellers sling the rock, but he is a serious weapon on the ground. Defensive coordinators are going to have a time trying to prepare their team for the dual threat passing and running. Lanorris also has a connection with the new offensive coordinator, Mike Shula, due to the fact that he was the offensive analyst for the Gamecocks last year. In the week one game where the Gamecocks beat the Virginia Tech Hokies 24-11, Lanorris completed 12 of his 19 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 25 yards and another touchdown. These stats are not eye catching, but the 25 yards on the ground are physical, hard runs that got the Gamecocks first downs to win the game. He also had a huge touchdown pass to the former track star, Nyck Harbor. Also, with many quarterbacks, such as Arch Manning and Cade Kulb Klubnik, who were in the preseason Heisman watch, not performing well week one, it gives Sellers an edge to win it. Lanorris just needs to be himself the rest of the year, and keep the mistakes to a minimum. Sellers is for sure a dark horse to win the Heisman trophy this year.

South Carolina v Virginia Tech Preview

By: Benson Elmore

On Sunday, August 31, The Gamecocks travel to Mercedes Benz stadium to play the Virginia Tech Hokies, so here is a breakdown of how I think this game will end up going. 

In this game, Carolina is the heavy favorite here by seven and a half points, which I think is pretty valid. I think that Carolina’s offense will be very hard to stop with Heisman candidate Lanorris Sellers, stud wide receivers Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennet, and new transfer Rahsul Faison. Also defensive studs like sophomore Dylan Stewart, Jalon Killgore, and Brandon Cisse are going to give Virginia Tech a very hard time moving the ball. 

With Mercedez Benz stadium being closer to South Carolina then Virginia, I think that more Carolina fans will be in attendance than Virginia tech. I think the energy will not be as high as a normal college football game, since the location is at a neutral site, and I do not think that this game will be entertaining at all if you are a Virginia Tech Hokies fan. I seriously think that Carolina is going to light Virginia Tech’s defense up and I do not think that Virginia Tech will move the ball well against Carolina either. 

Now, a little bit about why Carolina’s stud QB Lanorris Sellers could win the Heisman this year. Lanorris Sellers has a real shot at winning the Heisman this year. He’s got everything you need like crazy arm strength, fast legs, and the ability to make big plays when it counts. Sellers can make all the throws, but what sets him apart is how he moves in the pocket, avoiding pressure and creating chances out of nowhere. He’s a dual-threat QB, so defenses can’t just focus on one thing. If he keeps putting up big numbers and leads his team to wins, he could definitely be in the mix for the Heisman this season. He’s got the tools to be special.

Prize Picks lines I would always choose if my life depended on it! 

By Milling Galloway

Prize Picks is one of the best and worst ways to make money. If you’re a genius like me, you would understand how to make that bread. There are always some lines that are destined to hit. LaNorris Sellers is my number one. Every single time he hits. He can run and throw. I would not take the passing touchdowns, but everything else is golden. He’s just a beast, so unless Vegas changes the lines, I would always put over.

My next guy is Jahmyr Gibbs. He is truly one of a kind. His speed and athleticism just stand out compared to other backs in the league. Receiving yards and rushing yards hit with this guy. There is nothing he can not do. My third stud on the list has to be Lamine Yamal. He does not always hit on goals, but he rips shots. He loves to cut on that left foot and take a chance. Defenders can not find an answer for the 18-year-old wonder kid. Even though the lines might be set high, he finds a way to shoot and shoot more. He is third because other lines, he is not always fully consistent. My next guy has to be the best quarterback in the NFL. Justin ‘Him’ Fields. What a beast. This dude is always making highlight plays and beating Vegas. He can throw and take off, and run. He is very consistent, and it shows. Now that he is a Jet and is the main guy, he will cause some havoc this year for sure. I see a big year ahead of him. With my last choice I will have to say John Rahm. The guy is a dumpster fire waiting to fail. The only time he did ok was one tournament. Everytime he plays PGA he can’t do anything right. When he is playing on LIV I would not risk it. When he gets in front of the big stage he is destined to fail.

Why South Carolina will make the playoffs

By: Benson Elmore

South Carolina’s path to the College Football Playoffs is not the easiest, but it’s definitely possible with the right combination of clutch wins, good matchups, and the power of the team. Here’s how Carolina can and will make the CFP

1. Raw Offense

South Carolina’s offense has been stacked lately, with  Lanorris (him) Sellers, Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennet, and Joshua Simon, giving them a dangerous passing offense. The Gamecocks have been able to put up points against top-tier competition, and if they continue to develop their offense under Beamer, they’ll have the firepower to compete with any team in the SEC. And let’s not forget about Rocket Sanders who knows how to blow right through top tier defenses

2. Strong Coaching

Shane Beamer is a rising star in the coaching ranks. His energy, leadership, and ability to develop players have already shown results in his first few seasons at South Carolina. He’s built a solid foundation for the team and has proven that he can win big games, which is shown by South Carolina’s stunning upsets over a couple of ranked teams. With Beamer continuing to grow as a head coach, the Gamecocks could make a crazy statement in the future in the SEC.

3. SEC Scheduling Advantage

South Carolina plays in the SEC, which is without a doubt the most competitive conference in college football. While the schedule is tough, it also provides the Gamecocks with opportunities to get some big wins. If they can thrive in a tough schedule and pick off the last couple of teams on their schedule, it would give them no reason for the committee to keep them out of the playoffs. 

4. Defensive Improvement

South Carolina’s defense has been raw at least lately. People like Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart have dominated O-lines. Don’t even get me started on the defensive backs. This defense can beat any team in the league, no doubt about it. 

5. The College Football Playoff Expansion

The most important factor for South Carolina’s playoff chances in the future is the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams. With a larger field, the chances of South Carolina making them increases significantly. If they can keep winning games, they will make the playoffs.