In a commanding 50-7 victory over Akron on Saturday night, the South Carolina Gamecocks played without their starting quarterback and running back. LaNorris Sellers missed the game due to an ankle sprain he sustained against LSU.
Running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, who was anticipated to be a key player, left the field just minutes into the matchup, hopping on one leg before being evaluated in the medical tent for a significant period.
After receiving treatment, Sanders was seen with an ice pack on his left foot and ultimately put on a walking boot as he left for the locker room. Post-game, Coach Shane Beamer confirmed it was an ankle injury but expressed optimism about Sanders’ condition.
“We don’t think it’s anything long-term,” Beamer stated. Given the timing of Sanders’ injury, the Gamecocks were fortunate, as they secured a win despite his absence. With a bye week ahead, Sanders will have time to recover.
Before this game, he had performed excellently since transferring from Arkansas, leading the team with 56 carries for 285 yards and two touchdowns, although he managed only one rush against Akron. Quarterback Robby Ashford took charge with 16 carries for 133 yards and a touchdown, while Oscar Adaway added 14 carries for 42 yards and two scores.
Jawarn Howell contributed with a rushing touchdown, and Juju McDowell caught a touchdown pass. True freshman Matthew Fuller had eight carries for 25 yards.
Beamer noted, “We hated to lose Rocket. That’s not what we wanted to see,” but added that they had planned to use other backs more frequently.
“We can’t rely on Rocket to play over 50 snaps every game.” Regarding Sellers, Beamer said, “He wasn’t moving well by the end of the week, so we decided it was best not to play him tonight. We expect him to be fine next week.”
Additionally, wide receiver Jared Brown had a minor injury but should be available next week, while defensive tackle Monkell Goodwine briefly left the game but it’s not expected to be serious.
