Doty Propels Gamecocks After Sellers’ Head Injury in Upset Loss

Lead Backup quarterback Luke Doty replaced injured starter LaNorris Sellers late in the second quarter of South Carolina’s 31-7 loss to Vanderbilt in Columbia, completing 18 of 27 passes for 148 yards.

Nut Graf Doty’s performance underscored his readiness and versatility, but his efforts could not overcome a dominant Commodores squad that snapped a 16-game losing streak against the Gamecocks. Sellers’ head injury adds uncertainty to South Carolina’s quarterback room as the SEC campaign unfolds.

Main Part

Backup Delivers Under Pressure

• Doty entered with 1:47 remaining in the first half after Sellers took a helmet-to-helmet hit and exited for evaluation.
• The graduate student moved the offense efficiently, converting critical third downs and orchestrating a scoring drive stall at Vanderbilt’s 11-yard line.

Targeting Penalty Ejects Defender

• Commodores linebacker Langston Patterson was flagged for targeting on the hit and ejected after review, drawing ire from coach Shane Beamer over the delayed call.
• Sellers completed 6 of 7 passes for 94 yards prior to exiting, demonstrating his Heisman-level promise before the incident.

Coach and Team Response

• Beamer praised Doty’s preparation and poise, affirming, “We believe in him and trust him when our number’s called.”
• Doty said he focused on fundamentals: “My mindset was to move the chains and give our team a chance.”

Looking Ahead South Carolina (2-1, 0-1 SEC) hosts Missouri next Saturday, with Doty likely to start if Sellers remains sidelined. The Gamecocks must stabilize their offense and protect their quarterback to salvage their conference aspirations.