Columbia, S.C., September 8, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Gamecocks secured a 38-10 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs amid weather challenges, including a long lightning delay and key injuries. Despite struggling offensively with just 253 total yards, standout performances from quarterback LaNorris Sellers and Vicari Swain, who returned two punts for touchdowns, propelled the Gamecocks to their 2-0 record. Coach Shane Beamer expressed concern over ongoing injury issues as they prepare for their next game against Vanderbilt.
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina Gamecocks Defeat South Carolina State Bulldogs 38-10 Amidst Weather Challenges and Injury Concerns
The South Carolina Gamecocks secured a decisive 38-10 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs on September 6, 2025, at Williams-Brice Stadium. With this win, the Gamecocks improved their season record to 2-0 and climbed to No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
The game faced significant challenges before it even started, including a nearly three-hour lightning delay that pushed back kickoff time. After the delay, South Carolina found themselves trailing 3-0 in the first quarter, as their offense struggled throughout the game. The team’s total offensive yardage was only 253 yards by the end of the match.
Sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers contributed to the team’s score by throwing for 128 yards and one touchdown. A highlight of the game came from Vicari Swain, who showcased impressive skills by returning two punts for touchdowns, giving the Gamecocks an edge with returns of 42 and 65 yards respectively. Additionally, linebacker Jaron Willis made a significant defensive play by returning a fumble for a 46-yard touchdown. Receiver Vandrevius Jacobs also made his mark with a 35-yard touchdown pass reception from Sellers.
In the aftermath of the game, head coach Shane Beamer expressed his dissatisfaction with the offensive unit and acknowledged ongoing injury concerns within the team. The Gamecocks will look to address these issues during their next game against Vanderbilt on September 13, 2025, at 7:45 p.m., which will be broadcast on SEC Network.
Weather Conditions and Fan Engagement
As the football season progresses, upcoming weather forecasts indicate a cooling trend with possible showers, as a cold front approaches the area. This season, fan engagement has been notable, with season tickets for the 2025 season completely sold out and over 7,500 new season tickets sold compared to the previous year. The Gamecocks are currently in their 132nd season of intercollegiate football and their 34th year in the Southeastern Conference.
Game Overview and Key Players
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | South Carolina Gamecocks 38, South Carolina State Bulldogs 10 |
| Location | Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C. |
| Season Record | 2-0 |
| Coaches Poll Ranking | No. 10 |
| Key Players | LaNorris Sellers (QB), Vicari Swain (Punt Returns), Jaron Willis (Defense) |
| Next Game | Vs. Vanderbilt on September 13, 2025 |
In Conclusion
The South Carolina Gamecocks’ strong showing against the South Carolina State Bulldogs, despite facing weather challenges and an underwhelming offensive performance, sets the stage for upcoming games as they strive to address concerns and maintain their early-season momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was South Carolina Gamecocks 38, South Carolina State Bulldogs 10.
What challenges did the game face before kickoff?
The game faced a nearly three-hour lightning delay before kickoff.
Who were the standout players in the game?
Standout players included LaNorris Sellers as quarterback, Vicari Swain with two punt return touchdowns, and Jaron Willis with a defensive touchdown.
When is the Gamecocks’ next game?
The Gamecocks will next host Vanderbilt on September 13, 2025, at 7:45 p.m.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: South Carolina Gamecocks Defeat SC State
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Football Injury Report
- Garnet and Cocky: Gamecocks Ranking Update
- Gamecocks Online: Game Preview
- Sports Illustrated: Gamecocks Dominate SC State
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
- Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google News: South Carolina Gamecocks
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