South Carolina receives significant update on star QB LaNorris Sellers

Sellers suffered a head injury in the first half of last Saturday's 31-7 upset loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores, which entered the Associated Press poll at No. 20 following the win. Before leaving the game, Sellers was 6-of-7 for 94 yards (13.4 yards per attempt) and an interception.

South Carolina's hopes depend on LaNorris Sellers

It's not an exaggeration to say that South Carolina's hopes of pulling off a road win against Missouri hinges on Sellers' health. As CBS Sports noted, the Gamecocks averaged 4.5 yards per play and turned the ball over three times with Luke Doty at quarterback. Their seven points were their fewest at home against an unranked conference opponent since 2007 (h/t Stathead).

Sellers put up modest numbers in his first two games, averaging 168.5 passing yards in wins against the Virginia Tech Hokies (0-3) and FCS South Carolina State Bulldogs (2-1). But little was needed of Sellers in those games. Against tougher SEC competition, including Missouri (3-0), which is first in the conference in total offense (587 yards per game), South Carolina's offense will need to shoulder more of the burden. 

The Tigers have been particularly effective running the ball, ranking third in FBS in rushing offense (907 yards). With their ability to shorten games thanks to a potent rushing attack, Sellers' ability to hit on explosive passing plays could be crucial. 

This season, he's completed three of his four attempts that have traveled at least 20 air yards for 126 yards (31.5 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns. In 2024, Sellers had the highest adjusted completion percentage, which accounts for receiver drops, on deep passes among SEC quarterbacks with at least 20 attempts at 56.4 percent (h/t Pro Football Focus).

Last Saturday was a huge setback for South Carolina, which fell from No. 11 to out of the AP poll with the 24-point loss to Vanderbilt, the largest in program history in a ranked-vs.-unranked home game. But the Gamecocks can quickly turn the page against Mizzou, and getting Sellers back at quarterback would give them a legitimate chance of doing so.