COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina delivered one of the biggest upsets of the college football weekend Saturday, defeating No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on a game-winning field goal as time expired at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Behind another impressive performance from quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a crucial defensive takeaway in the final minute, the Gamecocks overcame a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure their second consecutive victory over a ranked opponent.
Kicker Malik Orsan connected on a 48-yard field goal as time expired, sending the sold-out crowd of 79,193 into a frenzy and completing a remarkable late comeback against a Tennessee team that entered the afternoon with College Football Playoff aspirations.
The victory improved South Carolina to 4-3 overall and 2-3 in Southeastern Conference play, while Tennessee fell to 6-2 and 3-2 in conference competition. (AP News)
Gamecocks Jump Ahead Before Tennessee Responds
South Carolina opened the afternoon with an aggressive offensive approach, scoring touchdowns on each of its first two possessions to establish an early 14-0 advantage.
The fast start immediately placed Tennessee in unfamiliar territory. The Volunteers had allowed just one first-quarter offensive touchdown through their previous seven games, but South Carolina found early success moving the football behind Sellers.
Tennessee eventually settled into the contest, putting together an 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that consumed more than nine minutes. Running back DeSean Bishop capped the possession with a one-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.
The Volunteers continued their comeback after defensive back TJ Metcalf intercepted Sellers, setting up another scoring opportunity. Tight end DaSaahn Brame eventually crossed the goal line on a fourth-down rushing attempt, tying the game at 14.
South Carolina regained the lead with a short field goal, but Tennessee responded before halftime when wide receiver Mike Matthews scored on an eight-yard rushing touchdown with 24 seconds remaining.
After surrendering the first 14 points, Tennessee entered halftime with a 21-17 advantage, having scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions. (Tennessee Athletics)
Tennessee Appears to Take Control in Second Half
Following an offense-heavy first half, both defenses began to establish themselves after halftime.
Neither team scored during the third quarter, with Tennessee’s defensive front applying increasing pressure on Sellers and South Carolina struggling to regain the offensive rhythm it displayed early in the game.
The Volunteers recorded five sacks, all in the second half, and appeared to be positioning themselves for another important SEC victory.
Tennessee extended its advantage to 24-17 early in the fourth quarter when kicker Cooper Ranvier connected on a 37-yard field goal.
The Volunteers nearly increased their lead further after quarterback George MacIntyre connected with Braylon Staley for an apparent touchdown, but a holding penalty erased the score.
That missed opportunity would prove costly.
With less than four minutes remaining, Tennessee faced fourth-and-one at South Carolina’s 39-yard line. Rather than punt, head coach Josh Heupel elected to keep his offense on the field.
The Gamecocks’ defense stopped MacIntyre short of the first-down marker, giving Sellers another opportunity to lead a comeback. (Tennessee Athletics)
Sellers Leads Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Comeback
With South Carolina trailing by seven points and time running out, Sellers delivered one of the most important possessions of the Gamecocks’ season.
The quarterback moved South Carolina down the field, benefiting from a Tennessee facemask penalty before putting the Gamecocks in position to tie the game.
Facing third-and-goal, Sellers kept the football and fought through multiple Tennessee defenders near the goal line, extending toward the pylon for a four-yard touchdown run.
Officials reviewed the play before confirming the touchdown, tying the game at 24 with just 1:17 remaining.
The score completed an impressive afternoon for Sellers, who finished with 306 total yards, including 96 rushing yards, while accounting for three touchdowns.
His ability to extend plays and create opportunities with his legs proved especially important against a Tennessee defense that had consistently pressured him throughout the second half.
However, South Carolina’s comeback was far from complete. (AP News)
Dylan Stewart Forces Turnover, Orsan Delivers Winning Kick
With the game tied and Tennessee possessing the football, the Volunteers appeared to have an opportunity to drive into field-goal range and escape Columbia with a victory.
Instead, South Carolina’s defense produced the defining play of the afternoon.
With 33 seconds remaining, Gamecocks edge rusher Dylan Stewart broke through Tennessee’s offensive line and sacked MacIntyre, forcing a fumble.
Defensive tackle Tomiwa Durojaiye recovered the loose football at Tennessee’s 34-yard line, immediately placing South Carolina within striking distance of a potential game-winning field goal.
The Gamecocks managed the remaining clock before sending Orsan onto the field for a 48-yard attempt with three seconds remaining.
Orsan delivered.
His kick sailed through the uprights as time expired, completing South Carolina’s 27-24 comeback victory and triggering a field-storming celebration at Williams-Brice Stadium.
What appeared to be a difficult home defeat just minutes earlier had turned into one of South Carolina’s most memorable victories of the season. (Sports Illustrated)
Another Ranked Victory Changes South Carolina’s Season
Saturday’s victory marked the Gamecocks’ second consecutive win over a ranked opponent, following their road victory over then-No. 16 Florida two weeks earlier.
For a South Carolina team that entered October facing questions about its consistency, the recent performances have provided a significant change in momentum.
After beginning the season 2-3, the Gamecocks have now won back-to-back SEC games against ranked competition, demonstrating an ability to compete with some of the conference’s strongest programs.
The recent turnaround also brings comparisons to South Carolina’s 2024 season, when the Gamecocks recovered from a 3-3 start by winning six consecutive games to close the regular season.
Head coach Shane Beamer will now look to build on that momentum as South Carolina prepares for another challenging stretch of its SEC schedule.
The Gamecocks will travel to Oklahoma next Saturday seeking their third consecutive victory. (AP News)
Tennessee’s Playoff Hopes Take Significant Hit
For Tennessee, Saturday’s defeat represents a major setback just one week after the Volunteers defeated Alabama 26-10 in one of their most impressive performances of the season.
The Volunteers entered Columbia ranked No. 11 nationally, having positioned themselves as potential contenders for a College Football Playoff berth.
However, the loss leaves Tennessee with two defeats and considerably less room for error entering the final month of the regular season.
Despite another productive afternoon from Bishop, who rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries, Tennessee struggled to maintain its offensive consistency throughout the second half.
The Volunteers also committed 12 penalties, repeatedly creating difficult situations and allowing South Carolina additional opportunities.
Tennessee will have a bye week before returning home to face No. 12 Kentucky on November 7, a matchup that could carry significant implications for both teams’ postseason positioning. (Tennessee Athletics)
For South Carolina, Saturday’s result was another reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football.
After entering the month with a losing record and facing considerable uncertainty, the Gamecocks have now defeated two ranked SEC opponents and regained momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
And for the second consecutive game, South Carolina has demonstrated that its early-season struggles may not define how its season ultimately ends.
