Newly ranked #21 Gamecocks look to keep their streak alive against #23 Missouri

On November 17, 2024By Littum

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – South Carolina is ranked for the first time since 2022. Their reward? Another match against another ranked team. South Carolina will face the Missouri Tigers at Williams-Brice on Saturday afternoon.

This will be the 6th team the Gamecocks have faced that has been in the Top 25 at some point this year.

After struggling in the first half of the season, South Carolina has found its way. The Gamecocks are now ranked for the first time since 2022; 23rd in the AP poll and 21st in the College Football Playoff rankings. South Carolina is also ranked 23rd in the Coaches Poll.

The Gamecocks look to continue their winning streak after taking down a Vanderbilt team that has also made a name for itself against a top-10 opponent.

The Gamecock defense proved to be too much for Vanderbilt, holding an explosive Commodore offense to just seven points at home.

South Carolina’s defense has been led by edge rusher Kyle Kennard. The senior and potential draft pick is tied for first in the SEC with 9.5 sacks while leading in tackles for loss with 13.5. Kennard, with the help of players like Nick Emmanwori and Dylan Stewart, has fueled a defense that ranks fourth in the fewest points allowed in the SEC this season.

South Carolina’s offense has made strides since the beginning of the season. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has improved his game throughout the season, committing just one turnover during the team’s three-game winning streak.

Senior running back Raheim Sanders, who battled an ankle injury throughout the early season, has been on a tear of late. Sanders ran for 144 yards in the Gamecocks’ massive win against Texas A&M. Then did it again, passing for 126 yards and three total touchdowns against Vanderbilt. After the last two weeks, Sanders ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing yards (696 yds) and is tied for third in rushing touchdowns (10 tds).

Missouri is looking to fight its way back to the SEC title after suffering two big losses against Texas A&M and Alabama.

Missouri is led by their two star receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease JR. Burden III is the Tigers’ leading receiver with 45 catches for 505 yards. However, the potential draft pick hasn’t had a touchdown catch since Week 4 against Vanderbilt.

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