South Carolina’s Setback: LaNorris Sellers Departures as Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia Surge Ahead

By the time Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter sprinted down the right sideline untouched, South Carolina’s fans were filtering out of Williams-Brice Stadium, speechless. The Gamecocks had already lost their potential Heisman-winning quarterback. By the end of the night, they also lost their long-held dominance over Vanderbilt.

Fueled by quarterback Diego Pavia and a strong running game that netted two touchdowns, Vanderbilt shocked No. 11 South Carolina with a 31-7 win. It was a historic moment for the Commodores— their first victory over the Gamecocks since 2008 and their first SEC opener win since 2011.

Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea noted the team’s change in attitude, saying, “It’s been growing. We made some changes a year ago that changed the attitude of our program.” This win was particularly special as it marked Vanderbilt’s first road victory against a ranked opponent since 2007, also against South Carolina.

The Commodores are now 3-0 for the first time since 2017, having achieved two convincing road wins in quick succession. It’s a stark contrast to their struggles in previous years, reminding fans of their last successful start in 2005.

Lea emphasized the team’s hard work: “Tonight’s about our team. I’m really proud of them.” The game took a turn just before halftime when South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit from linebacker Langston Patterson. Sellers had to leave the game, creating a significant hurdle for the Gamecocks.

The pressure was on sixth-year senior Luke Doty, who struggled to find his footing on offense. High-profile receiver Nyck Harbor was heavily guarded, and the special teams, which had shone the previous week, struggled to make an impact.

Vanderbilt took full advantage of Sellers’ absence. Lassiter’s 44-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter pushed Vanderbilt’s lead to 21-7, making the crowd at Williams-Brice all but disappear. A 51-yard field goal by kicker Brock Taylor and a late touchdown from Sedrick Alexander sealed the deal for the Commodores.

This 24-point victory was their second-largest win over a ranked opponent since 1955. Just a week after demolishing Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt proved it has transformed into a competitive force in the SEC. Coach Lea credited their success to consistency and building confidence through doing things the right way.

The statistics back this up; the Commodores have shown a significant improvement in their play, reflecting a trend seen in the SEC. As teams adapt to new strategies and coaching styles, surprises like this will keep fans engaged throughout the season.

In conclusion, Vanderbilt’s comeback is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where a team’s fortunes can shift dramatically. Fans and analysts are eager to see if the Commodores can maintain this momentum and continue rewriting their narrative in the SEC.



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South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores, College Football