Report: LaNorris Sellers out with ankle injury, Robby Ashford expected to start vs. Akron
Robby Ashford is expected to replace LaNorris Sellers as South Carolina‘s starting quarterback for the Gamecocks’ matchup against Akron on Saturday, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Sellers suffered an ankle injury shortly before halftime of the Gamecocks’ 36-33 loss to LSU in Week 3 and has not been a full participant in practice this week.
Ashford started the second half against the Tigers but LaNorris Sellers attempted to return to the field. However, after one drive, which was a three-and-out, it was obvious that Sellers’ ankle was affecting him. Ashford played the remainder of the game.
In the loss, Ashford completed 2-of-his-4 pass attempts for 42 yards. He recorded 11 rushing attempts — many of which were scrambles — for only 11 yards. He was also sacked three times and recorded two fumbles.
During two drives in the third quarter, South Carolina’s offense had back-to-back three-and-outs and recorded just one yard. Meanwhile, LSU’s offense caught fire, tallying 175 yards in the third quarter. In total, LSU outscored South Carolina 20-9 in the second half and walked away with a pivotal victory.
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After the game, Ashford reflected on the Gamecocks’ offensive failures in the third quarter.
“When I got in there, we were winning and we got a very great defense,” Ashford said. “I felt like at that time it was the kind of situation where we’ve got the lead, why risk anything? Why not give it to Rocket Sanders, who’s arguably the best running back in the SEC? Why not feed him? Why not just try and let our O-line out-physical those guys because we were all game.
“A lot of people can say whatever they want to but never been in my shoes, never had to go through what I went through. They’re still couch coaches, so I don’t really care about what they got to say,” Ashford said. “All those folks can go and say whatever, but I have faith and the utmost trust in Coach (Dowell Loggains) and Coach Beamer with what they want to run. So, I’m never going to sit here and argue about it. My job is to go out there and command the offense and do what I’m asked to do.”
Robby Ashford has no shortage of experience. South Carolina is the third program Ashford has played for, after beginning his collegiate career at Oregon and then transferring to Auburn. Ashford came to Columbia, S.C., with 10 career starts. Now, he’ll have a chance to add another.
South Carolina and Akron will square off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air live on ESPNU.