Beamer expects Sellers to face Arkansas

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said Sunday that quarterback LaNorris Sellers is expected to play against Arkansas after tests on his ankle looked good. Sellers was held out of Sunday’s practice, but Beamer expected him to return Tuesday if he could move as needed.

Beamer said his concern about Sellers’ availability was very low, with pain tolerance and reducing the ankle swelling the remaining issues. Cutter Woods was scheduled to take the available quarterback repetitions Sunday, while Lucian Anderson and Landon Duckworth also were set to receive work.

The update followed South Carolina’s home win over Texas A&M, a game the Gamecocks closed by outscoring the Aggies 10-0 in the fourth quarter. Beamer credited the defense with containing mobile quarterback Marcel Reed and keeping Texas A&M out of the end zone.

South Carolina still missed several of Beamer’s six weekly benchmarks. The Gamecocks lost the turnover margin 1-0. Along with struggling to run the ball, they allowed two long runs while using the same coverage on both plays. Beamer also said the offense produced too many ineffective first-down snaps for the second straight week, repeatedly creating second-and-long situations.

The defensive plan relied in part on linebacker Fred Johnson as a quarterback spy. Beamer praised Johnson’s tackling, pass defense, ability to rush the passer and stamina after he played throughout the game.

David Bucey also drew praise for handling both safety and nickel responsibilities, sometimes during the same series. Beamer said Bucey had improved in man coverage and highlighted his pass breakup on a third-down scramble headed toward the red zone.

Beamer named Brady Hunt and Mazeo Bennett the offensive players of the game, Anthony Addison and Bucey the defensive winners, and punter Mason Love the special-teams winner. Hunt’s contributions included a 40-yard catch on a throw Beamer said Sellers placed where only the tight end could reach it.

Beamer also pointed to receiver Charly Mullaly’s rise from the scout team and running back Isaiah Augustave’s work on offense and special teams. Augustave caused a fumble in punt coverage, while Mullaly earned more opportunities by consistently making plays and gaining Sellers’ trust.

Why it matters

Sellers’ expected availability preserves South Carolina’s starting quarterback plan for Arkansas. The Gamecocks still must address their turnover margin, first-down efficiency and run defense after winning despite missing several weekly benchmarks.

What to watch next

Sellers was expected to return to practice Tuesday. His movement in that session will help determine his readiness for Saturday’s game against Arkansas.