Fans want major SEC coach fired after blowing 16-point lead
Shane Beamer and quarterback LaNorris Sellers faced significant pressure to perform better this season than they did last year when South Carolina finished 4-8.
On Saturday, both struggled in the Gamecocks’ 41-34 loss to Mississippi State at home. South Carolina raced out to a 16-0 lead in the second half before suffering an epic collapse.
Sellers went 25 of 40 passing for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He added 52 yards on the ground. He was outplayed by Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, who threw for 251 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
South Carolina fans voiced their frustration with Beamer, chanting “Fire Beamer” after the game.
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Beamer is 35-31 during his six seasons with South Carolina. He was criticized last season for going 4-8 with a team that blew leads, including a 31-30 loss to Texas A&M after leading 30-3 at halftime.
During his postgame news conference, Beamer told reporters that South Carolina wouldn’t let its loss to Mississippi State define the season. He isn’t worried about last year’s blown leads impacting the rest of the season.
“It’s a completely different team,” Beamer said, via video posted to X by Jared Parker of Fox 57. “There’s a lot of guys that weren’t even here last year, and 2026 is a new year. I get it. We blew up a 16-point lead tonight, and it’s easy to look back and talk about the leads that we blew last year.
“It’s the story that’s going to be written. I get it, but this is a completely different team with unbelievable leadership. I know they’ll respond the right way.”
South Carolina started its season 2-0 with blowout wins over Kent State and Towson. The Gamecocks have another challenging test coming up in Week 4 when they travel to play No. 10 Alabama.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
