LaNorris Sellers Accounts for Five Touchdowns as South Carolina Stuns No. 16 Florida 38-19

Gamecocks Snap Eight Game SEC Losing Streak With Road Victory

South Carolina delivered its most complete performance in Southeastern Conference play in nearly two years, riding a five touchdown performance from quarterback LaNorris Sellers to a 38-19 upset of No. 16 Florida on Saturday in Gainesville.

Sellers threw four touchdown passes and added a rushing score as the Gamecocks ended an eight-game SEC losing streak, earning their first conference victory since beating Kentucky in September 2025. South Carolina improved to 3-3 overall and 1-3 in conference play, while Florida fell to 4-2 and 2-2 after suffering its second consecutive lopsided loss. Sellers completed 23 of 35 passes for 279 yards, connecting with Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennett Jr., Donovan Murph and Lex Cyrus for touchdowns.

Facing a Florida defense that entered the game with the SEC’s worst pass defense, Sellers repeatedly found openings in the secondary and delivered one of his best performances since throwing five touchdown passes against Missouri in November 2024. The victory also marked South Carolina’s first win in Gainesville since 2014, giving coach Shane Beamer’s team a much-needed breakthrough after several frustrating conference defeats.

Sellers Leads South Carolina’s Offensive Breakthrough

South Carolina’s offense found its rhythm behind Sellers, who demonstrated the passing accuracy and physical running ability the Gamecocks had been waiting to see consistently this season. His four touchdown passes exposed Florida’s defensive struggles, while his strength as a runner helped South Carolina take control in the second half. Sellers’ most impressive run came on a 3-yard carry in the third quarter, when he shrugged off a defender and nearly reached the end zone.

He scored on the following play, extending the Gamecocks’ advantage and putting them in position to close out a victory that had eluded them in recent weeks. South Carolina entered the game looking to put its recent fourth quarter struggles behind it. Beamer’s team had blown four significant leads across its previous five SEC games, raising questions about its ability to finish against conference opponents. This time, the Gamecocks maintained control when it mattered most.

Gamecocks Take Control After Extended Halftime

A 45-minute lightning delay extended halftime, but South Carolina emerged with the momentum and delivered two touchdown drives in the third quarter to seize command. The Gamecocks took advantage of Florida’s struggling secondary, continuing to attack through the air while Sellers made plays with both his arm and legs.

The two scoring drives proved decisive, allowing South Carolina to build a comfortable lead and avoid the late game collapse that had plagued the team during its SEC losing streak. South Carolina’s defense also received a significant boost from the return of defensive end Dylan Stewart, who came back after serving a one-game suspension.

Stewart forced two fumbles, helping disrupt Florida’s offense and giving the Gamecocks additional opportunities to maintain their advantage. He had missed the previous week’s overtime loss to Kentucky after being suspended for throwing a punch at an Alabama player two weeks earlier. After the final whistle, Beamer embraced both of his children, an emotional moment that reflected the importance of the long awaited conference victory.

Florida Struggles Again as Pressure Mounts on the Gators

Florida entered Saturday as a double digit favorite at home but struggled on both sides of the ball against a South Carolina team desperate for a breakthrough. The Gators’ offense continued to have difficulty establishing a consistent running game. Jadan Baugh carried 15 times for 59 yards and scored a late touchdown, but Florida could not generate enough production on the ground to keep pace with the Gamecocks.

Quarterback Aaron Philo also committed two turnovers, while Florida’s defense struggled to pressure Sellers or slow South Carolina’s passing attack. The defeat followed Florida’s 45-17 loss at then No. 25 Missouri, leaving the Gators with consecutive lopsided defeats and putting their place in the Associated Press Top 25 in jeopardy.

Frustration among the home crowd became particularly noticeable late in the first half, when fans booed first-year Florida coach Jon Sumrall over his clock management. The Gators ran out of time before halftime and subsequently missed a long field goal attempt. Florida could not recover after the break, allowing South Carolina to dictate the tempo and pull away in the third quarter.

Next Games for South Carolina and Florida

South Carolina will have a week off before returning to action on Oct. 24, when the Gamecocks host No. 15 Tennessee. The break gives Sellers and his teammates an opportunity to build on their performance and prepare for another important SEC matchup.

Florida faces a much quicker turnaround, traveling to face top ranked Texas next Saturday. The Gators will attempt to avoid a third consecutive loss while addressing the offensive inconsistencies and defensive breakdowns that have defined their past two outings.

For South Carolina, Saturday’s result represented more than an upset. It was a statement performance from Sellers and a breakthrough for a team that had struggled to close out conference games. For Florida, the 38-19 defeat raised further questions about a team that entered the season with high expectations but now faces a critical stretch of its schedule.