South Carolina Gamecocks fans, it’s time to celebrate! College football analyst Josh Pate has been vocal about his support for Shane Beamer’s squad, boldly ranking them 11th in his JP Poll. While the AP Poll largely overlooked the Gamecocks earlier this season, their thrilling victory over No. 23 Missouri in Week 12 reaffirmed Pate’s confidence. Let’s break down why Josh Pate believes South Carolina is a force to be reckoned with in college football.
South Carolina vs. Missouri: A Game for the Ages
On the November 17 episode of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, Pate couldn’t contain his excitement about South Carolina’s rollercoaster win over Missouri. The Gamecocks stormed to an early 21-6 lead before Missouri clawed back to take control. Reflecting on the game, Pate said, “I go get food, I look back, and Missouri’s got the lead.”
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However, South Carolina’s resilience shone through. In the final 10 minutes, the Gamecocks scored four touchdowns, including two in the last 70 seconds, to pull off a dramatic win. Pate called it an “instant classic,” showcasing the Gamecocks’ ability to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Josh Pate’s Praise for Shane Beamer
Pate didn’t shy away from acknowledging Shane Beamer’s role in shaping South Carolina into a must-watch team. He even joked about Beamer’s failure to thank the JP Poll in public, saying, “I know it was an omission not born out of hate… he has apologized already today.” The playful banter highlighted the mutual respect between the coach and the analyst, with Pate firmly riding for Beamer’s vision.
LaNorris Sellers: A Star in the Making
One of the standout moments from the game was the performance of redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Pate heaped praise on Sellers, who recorded nearly 400 total yards and five passing touchdowns. “They didn’t go down because LeNorris Sellers,” Pate raved, emphasizing the young quarterback’s pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ victory.
With a rising star like Sellers leading the charge, the Gamecocks are building a strong foundation for future success.
Could South Carolina Have Been in the Playoff Race?
The Gamecocks’ playoff dreams might have been within reach if not for a few close losses earlier in the season. Their narrow defeat to Alabama in Week 6 (27-25) and another tight loss against LSU were major setbacks. Reflecting on these missed opportunities, Pate said, “Had they lost one fewer game, South Carolina is in the thick of the playoff race right now.”
Despite these challenges, Pate argued that South Carolina is playing at an elite level. “If you don’t think a three-loss team will ever get in, you’re probably right… I don’t think there are 12 teams playing better football right now than South Carolina.”
Why Josh Pate Believes in the Gamecocks
Pate’s unwavering support for South Carolina stems from their consistent competitiveness, even against top-tier teams. While their three losses may keep them out of playoff contention, the Gamecocks have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best. Their thrilling style of play and resilience under pressure make them one of the most exciting teams in college football.
What’s Next for Shane Beamer’s South Carolina?
As the season progresses, the Gamecocks have an opportunity to cement their place among college football’s elite. With LaNorris Sellers at the helm and Shane Beamer’s leadership, the future looks bright for South Carolina. Whether they make the playoffs this year or not, one thing is clear: the Gamecocks are a team to watch.
FAQ
1. Why is Josh Pate so supportive of South Carolina?
Josh Pate appreciates South Carolina’s resilience and thrilling style of play. He believes they’re playing elite football, even better than some higher-ranked teams.
2. Who is LaNorris Sellers?
LaNorris Sellers is South Carolina’s redshirt freshman quarterback. He gained attention after a standout performance against Missouri, recording nearly 400 total yards and five touchdowns.
3. Can South Carolina still make the playoffs?
While it’s unlikely due to their three losses, South Carolina is playing at a high level and remains competitive against top teams.
4. What were South Carolina’s key wins this season?
Their recent victory over No. 23 Missouri in Week 12 stands out, showcasing their ability to deliver in high-stakes games.
5. What’s next for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks?
With young talents like LaNorris Sellers and Beamer’s leadership, South Carolina is building momentum for future seasons.
