The temptation to rest South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is growing loud among fans. Many worry his injured ankle could get worse if he plays on Saturday night. Coach Shane Beamer told reporters on Sunday that the team fully expects their star player to take the field. He disclosed the details of the injury and stated his position. Sellers limped to a game-winning touchdown against Texas A&M. Now he faces Arkansas, and the staff have already made a decision.
Coach Beamer Confirms Sellers Status
Beamer spoke directly about the tests Sellers took on Sunday. The results came back clean, which gives the staff confidence. “We fully expect him to play,” Beamer said, according to a report. He added that the player got some tests done and everything looked good with the results. The quarterback did not practice Sunday evening, and the team does not practice on Mondays. The schedule does not indicate Sellers is out. Beamer expects his Heisman Trophy candidate to be under center against the Razorbacks. “We feel good about his availability this weekend,” Beamer said. The coach noted that the only real issue is pain tolerance. “Right now, it’s nothing that concerns us aside from his pain tolerance and getting some of the swelling down in that ankle,” he explained.
Why Sitting Him Is a Bad Move
Sellers has already proven his worth with two huge moments this season. He pushed aside two Tennessee defenders for a score and then limped for a 41-yard touchdown against Texas A&M. These are signature moments that Heisman voters remember. The risk of sitting him now outweighs the benefit of rest. Arkansas has struggled terribly throughout almost the entire season, securing only a single SEC victory. It is the total number of wins against Power 4 teams. The Gamecocks cannot afford to lose to a bad team. Provided Sellers is healthy and cleared, he ought to play at Razorbacks Stadium this Saturday night. The talk of a College Football Playoff spot ends with a loss to the Razorbacks. A win keeps the dream alive for a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy.
When to Finally Bench the Star
There is a time to rest a player, but this game is not it. The sole prudent option involves benching Sellers should the Gamecocks build a large lead in the second half. That would protect him from further injury without costing the team the win. Fans have been worried since the injury happened in the second quarter against the Aggies. Some think a high ankle sprain makes resting him a good idea. Beamer does not think it is a high ankle sprain, which changes the math. Healing from high ankle sprains often proves difficult and requires several weeks for full recovery. Sellers looks mobile enough on the field, even if the staff calls plays to protect him. A loss to Arkansas this weekend would render the Georgia matchup in two weeks meaningless nationally for the Gamecocks. Victories in the final three contests will send the Gamecocks to the College Football Playoffs.
