Gamecocks Overcome Old Dominion in Season Opener

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Gamecocks faced a challenging match against Old Dominion in their season opener at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday. After a closely contested game, the Gamecocks managed to secure a hard-fought victory with a score of 23-19.

Old Dominion, now 0-1, took a brief lead in the fourth quarter with a score of 19-16. The Gamecocks, with redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers making his first career start, were placed in a critical situation. A timely fumble recovery by DeAndre Jules, following a forced fumble by true freshman Dylan Stewart, set the stage for Sellers.

LaNorris Sellers made his mark by rushing a three-yard touchdown with just six minutes remaining in the game. A final interception by Jalon Kilgore off Old Dominion’s Grant Wilson sealed the victory for South Carolina.

The Gamecocks began strong when Rocket Sanders scored his first touchdown from the 1-yard line after a fumble recovery by Debo Williams during Old Dominion’s first drive. Following this, Old Dominion responded with a 72-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.

In the following possession, Alex Herrera successfully kicked a 40-yard field goal, putting South Carolina ahead 10-7. Despite some missed connections on crucial receptions in the first quarter, the Gamecocks maintained their lead.

The game faced a weather delay due to lightning within six miles of the stadium, which paused play for at least 30 minutes. By halftime, South Carolina led 10-7, with the team’s defense recording several successful plays.

As the second half commenced, significant plays were made, including a 36-yard touchdown run by Grant Wilson for Old Dominion, although DeAndre Jules blocked the subsequent extra point attempt. Towards the end of the third quarter, Old Dominion tied the game with a 40-yard field goal.

In a dramatic turn of events, Old Dominion briefly took the lead with 9:54 left in the game. However, Sellers quickly responded after another fumble recovery by Jules, executing a touchdown run to regain the lead for South Carolina.

Dylan Stewart, who had suffered an injury earlier, made a crucial contribution by forcing a fumble that set up Sellers’ second touchdown, confirming his impact on the game. With a minute and a half remaining, Kilgore’s interception marked a triumphant conclusion for the Gamecocks.