USC turns focus to Clemson: ‘We’re gonna ... make it our mission to beat them’
It’s been a hard season for South Carolina football. Once a preseason top-25 team and moving to as high as No. 10 in the AP poll, South Carolina has a 4-7 record and no chance of a bowl game appearance, conference championship berth or College Football Playoff consideration.
All USC can manage is to end the season 2-0, and step one is complete: The Gamecocks took down Coastal Carolina 51-7 with a season-high 579 yards of offense Saturday.
But the last step is the hardest. The Gamecocks are set to host in-state rival Clemson on Nov. 29 in USC’s season finale. For the Gamecocks locker room, the Coastal Carolina celebration is already over, and Clemson week has already begun.
“I always wanted to play the rivalry thing, always wanted to play a game like that,” freshman wide receiver Jayden Sellers said. “I’m excited to go against them in a loud environment. It’ll be fun.”
For Sellers, his first real taste of the rivalry follows a year of anticipation. He watched from the sideline last season as the Gamecocks, led by his older brother and USC quarterback LaNorris Sellers, took down the Tigers 17-14 in Death Valley.
“Watching (LaNorris) score that last touchdown, basically winning the game for them ... it was definitely like an ‘Oh my goodness’ moment,” Sellers said. “It made me plan for what we could do next year together.”
Jayden Sellers has come along quickly as one of USC’s top passing targets as the year closes. He recorded four catches for 127 yards and his first career touchdown against Coastal Carolina, and he has his sights on being the next Sellers to make his mark against Clemson.
For LaNorris Sellers, the game against the Tigers represents a different kind of anticipation: It’s the last game standing between him and a decision to enter the NFL Draft, leave USC in the transfer portal or stay with the Gamecocks for another season. Sellers said he plans to focus on the Tigers before shifting to what’s next.
“I’m just focused on the season right now,” he said. “When the time comes, I’ll make a decision.”
There aren’t many implications riding on next week’s result for either team. Clemson had a down year, but is already bowl-eligible at 6-5. All that’s truly on the line in the rivalry showdown is bragging rights.
“I’m just excited to play them,” USC linebacker Shawn Murphy said. “We’re gonna focus very hard on them this week and make it our mission to beat them.”
South Carolina vs. Clemson
- Who: South Carolina vs. Clemson
- When: Noon Saturday, Nov. 29
- Where: Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia
- Watch: SEC Network
