South Carolina secures victory over Clemson with a late touchdown.

A year ago, South Carolina’s football program seemed to be at a crossroads. The Gamecocks had just finished a disappointing 5-7 season with a home loss to Clemson, leaving many outside the team’s facility uneasy about the program’s direction. However, head coach Shane Beamer remained steadfast in his belief that better days were ahead.

Saturday proved him right. The 15th-ranked Gamecocks, led by a standout performance from redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers, rallied to defeat No. 12 Clemson 17-14. The victory extended South Carolina’s winning streak to six games, including four wins over AP-ranked opponents, and bolstered their case for a spot among the 12 College Football Playoff teams.

“The tape doesn’t lie,” Beamer told ESPN after the game. “If I’m watching tape and see our team—what we have at quarterback, the way we play defense and special teams—there’s no way I’d want any part of us. We’ve won six in a row, and it’s not like we’ve been playing easy opponents. To come in here today, in this environment, and do what we did seals it for me.”

Beamer acknowledged the team’s three losses but urged the committee to consider context. “Two of those losses were by a combined five points. If you’re looking for the 12 best teams in the country right now, I don’t think you can leave us out,” he said.

With a 9-3 record, the Gamecocks have been hailed as perhaps the best three-loss team in the nation, especially after bouncing back from a narrow 27-25 defeat at Alabama on October 12.

“I think we’re the hottest team in the country right now,” said defensive back Nick Emmanwori. “I hope the committee does the right thing and puts us in the playoff.”