South Carolina is coming off a 31-7 loss to Vanderbilt, a game that turned once LaNorris Sellers exited late in the first half and never returned. The offense stalled after halftime with Luke Doty in relief as the Gamecocks failed to score again, showing how the defeat was compounded by Sellers effectively playing only one half. Vanderbilt’s Langston Patterson was found guilty of targeting the hit that ended Seller’s night and was ejected. 

Sellers’ setback last week was diagnosed as a concussion because of that helmet-to-helmet hit by Patterson. At halftime, it was announced by Shane Beamer that LaNorris Sellers would not return to the game. And by midweek, the word ‘questionable’ was written against Sellers’ name on the SEC availability report. Although Doty went 18-27 for 148 yards, with a pick, he couldn’t turn the tide against Vanderbilt, who’re playing like a different animal.

But today on Gameday, that cloud of ambiguity is finally lifted off Sellers’ name. Pete Thamel confirmed on GameDay, “LaNorris Sellers is cleared and off the injury report. He’s ready to go today for South Carolina.” This is really good news for the Gamecocks and the fans because the Tigers are surging and are also 9.5 favorites entering kickoff. Without Sellers, this might’ve been a repeat of last week. 

Coming off the Vanderbilt setback, this feels like a must-win to avoid a 0-2 SEC start and keep pace in the division race on the road in Columbia. If Sellers is sharp, South Carolina’s offense regains its ceiling against a surging Missouri, making his return the potential swing factor under the lights.

This game won’t be easy for the Gamecocks. The Tigers are ranked, unbeaten, and are hosting, while the Gamecocks have been dropped out of the AP Top 25 after their Vanderbilt loss. This matchup will show how quickly South Carolina can recalibrate with its star player back under center. If Sellers is as sharp as usual and a bit more protected, then the Gamecocks might have a viable path to beat the Tigers. But if he struggles to find early game rhythm, then the Tigers’ defence will make it extremely difficult to make a lead change in the midgame.

Prime-time stakes in Columbia

No SEC night is ever tame. And this night in Columbia won’t be either. Shane Beamer has admitted that they absolutely cannot underestimate the Tigers’ offense. “Eli’s done a fantastic job,” he said. “Every year, the players change, but the system and efficiency they operate at doesn’t … they lost a lot from last year, but based on their first three games, they’re better than they were last year.” What’s at stake for the Gamecocks, you ask? Everything. The Mayor Cup, a losing streak, and a 0-2 start to their SEC campaign.

The Tigers have opened 3-0 and are looking every bit of a tough team to beat. They are balanced yet explosive and do not make unforced errors, and punish when others make them. Transfer quarterback Beau Pribula has been on a flawless run with multiple touchdown throws and carefully designed runs that always keep the chain moving. Systematically, the Tigers have experimented with pieces but still have clung to their identity of continuity.

This game will lean more on tactics and psychology. Gamecocks will be required to disrupt timings early and force Missouri behind the sticks. Because if they don’t, then they risk getting squeezed by the fresh legs of early offense that put up a lead fast. Either way, Shane’s compliments have a lot of truth to them, and we’ll witness it in real time on the field.