Freshman Sellers shines again in No. 19 South Carolina's 56-12 win over Wofford

Freshman Sellers shines again in No. 19 South Carolina’s 56-12 win over Wofford

1 of 22 |

South Carolina running back Jawarn Howell (22) is lifted up by offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III (76) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

2 of 22 |

South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (7) tackles Wofford running back Ryan Ingram, left, for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

3 of 22 |

South Carolina wide receiver Dalevon Campbell (15) makes a 58-yard reception ahead of Wofford defensive back Amir Annoor (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

4 of 22 |

South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders (5) cuts back against Wofford safety CJ Coombes (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

5 of 22 |

Wofford running back Ryan Ingram, center, is tackled by South Carolina linebacker Grayson Howard (5) inside the 5-yard line during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

6 of 22 |

South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders (5) jumps over Wofford defensive back Eli Campbell, right, and linebacker Benny Radicia, left, on his way to an 11-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

7 of 22 |

Wofford quarterback Bryce Corriston (8) is pushed out of bounds by South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

8 of 22 |

South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) stretches forward for extra yards during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

9 of 22 |

Wofford celebrates a touchdown late in the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

10 of 22 |

South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders (5) stiff arms Wofford linebacker Benny Radicia, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

11 of 22 |

South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders (5) breaks a tackle in his own end zone to prevent a safety during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

12 of 22 |

Wofford wide receiver Isaiah Scott, right, is tackled by South Carolina defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

13 of 22 |

South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders (5) stretches but can not reach the end zone over Wofford safety CJ Coombes, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

14 of 22 |

Former South Carolina and current New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, center, talks with South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) and quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) before an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

15 of 22 |

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) autographs a hat before an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

16 of 22 |

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer checks the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

17 of 22 |

South Carolina wide receiver Gage Larvadain (7) celebrates his 13-yard touchdown reception with wide receivers Nyck Harbor (8) and Mazeo Bennett Jr. (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

18 of 22 |

South Carolina wide receiver Gage Larvadain (7) catches a pass in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

19 of 22 |

South Carolina defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr., left, tackles Wofford wide receiver Kyle Watkins, right, for a loss during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

20 of 22 |

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer waves to fans as he leaves the field after an NCAA college football game against Wofford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

21 of 22 |

Wofford wide receiver Dylan Djete (4) is tackled by South Carolina defensive back Kelvin Hunter (21) and defensive back Peyton Williams (31) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

22 of 22 |

South Carolina quarterback Davis Beville (11) stiff arms Wofford linebacker Benny Radicia, right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

By JEFFREY COLLINS

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — LaNorris Sellers threw for 307 yards with three touchdowns and just four incompletions to lead No. 19 South Carolina to a 56-12 win over Wofford on Saturday night.

It wasn’t the cleanest game for the Gamecocks (8-3, 5-3 SEC, No. 18 CFP) with two turnovers, foolish penalties and missed assignments, but they finished the game without any additional major injuries.

“First quarter was just not good enough in a lot of ways. But we were calm in the locker room. No screaming or throwing chairs,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said.

The Gamecocks scored 35 points in the second half and let their starters take off most of the fourth quarter.

The redshirt freshman Sellers keeps growing into one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He completed 23 of his 27 passes to nine different receivers. And when something wasn’t there, Sellers tucked the ball away and ran, averaging better than 4 yards on his 13 carries.

Beamer said Sellers’ growth, especially in the past three weeks, has been impressive. Sellers said he appreciates the trust from his coaches, including letting him call his own number on a sneak for a touchdown.

Not PARSE.LY: College football

BYU coach Kalani Sitake doesn’t blame 28-23 loss on Arizona State’s premature field storming

After fans storm field early, No. 21 Arizona St stops Hail Mary try for 28-23 win over No. 14 BYU

No. 4 Penn State stays on playoff track with narrow 26-25 win over Minnesota

“It’s sitting in the pocket and being decisive. If I make a decision, it’s the right decision all the time. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” Sellers said.

Raheim Sanders ran for 72 yards while Dalevon Campbell caught five passes for 120 yards for the Gamecocks.

Wofford (5-7) took a 3-0 lead and picked off Sellers on his first possession, but success was only fleeting. The Terriers have lose 18 straight to South Carolina with their last win coming in 1917.

Takeaways

Wofford: The Terriers will take home $600,000 for playing at South Carolina.

South Carolina: Perhaps more important to the Gamecocks was what happened elsewhere. A few teams above and around the Gamecocks in the College Football Playoff rankings lost. The Gamecocks probably need some more chaos to get into the playoffs, but a win over Clemson next week would give them a good argument among the three-loss teams.

Beamer ball

The win was Shane Beamer’s 28th as South Carolina’s coach. He tied Steve Spurrier’s record for most victories in a coach’s first four seasons with the Gamecocks.

South Carolina hasn’t won nine games in a season since 2017 and hasn’t won at least 10 since 2013, so Beamer isn’t ready to celebrate because there is more, maybe much more, out there.

“To be determined. We’ve got two guaranteed games left for sure,” Beamer said.

Poll implications

South Carolina looks to move up at least a few spots with both Big 12 teams in front of them in the AP Top 25 — BYU and Colorado — losing.

Up next

Wofford: The FCS announces its playoff bracket Sunday, but Wofford won’t be in it.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks head to hated in-state rival Clemson next Saturday. They have lost eight of the last nine against the Tigers.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football