South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers likely crushes Clemson’s CFP hopes with a 17-14 win at Death Valley

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers likely crushes Clemson’s CFP hopes with a 17-14 win at Death Valley

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) drops back to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers had an outstanding game, leading the Gamecocks to a big win over Clemson. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

No. 12 Clemson’s hopes of making the College Football Playoff are all but dashed after a 17-14 home loss to No. 15 South Carolina. The Gamecocks clinched the victory with two great touchdown runs from South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

With just over a minute left, South Carolina took a three-point lead after Sellers went for a 20-yard touchdown run on third-and-16.

On one final drive, Clemson moved the ball down the field and had a chance to score, but quarterback Cade Klubnik threw an interception that sealed the victory for the Gamecocks.

After a difficult first quarter that included a South Carolina fumble on the first drive and Clemson turning it over on downs, the Tigers struck first with a touchdown in the second quarter. But the Gamecocks followed with a touchdown of their own. Sellers kept the ball and ran 25 yards into the end zone to make the score 7-7.

Clemson then opened the second half with another touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. Klubnik also ran for both of Clemson’s touchdowns and accumulated 62 total rushing yards.

A chaotic third quarter saw back-to-back turnovers for both teams, with the Gamecocks fumbling the ball first and the Tigers going for it right after. Early in the fourth quarter, Clemson safety Khalil Barnes fended off Sellers to give the Tigers the ball back, but the team was forced to punt after a three-pointer.

South Carolina then overcame the seven-point deficit with a field goal, and then Sellers played hero for the game-winning touchdown, finding the hole in the defense and deflecting two tackles to get into the end zone. Sellers finished the game with 16 carries, accumulating more rushing yards (166) than passing yards (164).

The loss drops Clemson to 9-3 and can only reach the CFP if it wins the ACC title. Clemson’s only path to the ACC Championship Game is an upset of Syracuse against Miami.

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