South Carolina-Akron score prediction for Gamecocks in Week 4

COLUMBIA — South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer and players said the message since Sunday has been “don’t let it linger.” They don’t want to let the sting of the 36-33 loss to LSU bleed into preparation for this week.

The Gamecocks (2-1) host Akron (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU), for the first night game of the season, as the Zips (1-2) from the Mid-American Conference play in a sold-out in Williams-Brice Stadium.

Here’s what to know about the matchup, as South Carolina looks to pick up a Week 4 win before an open date in Week 5:

LaNorris Sellers expected to play vs Akron after ankle injury vs LSU

Beamer announced Tuesday that starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers assured him he’s good to play Saturday after dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the second half vs LSU.

Before his injury, Sellers rushed for two touchdowns, including a South Carolina record-breaking 75-yard run for a quarterback, and completed 9 of 16 passes for 113 yards against the Tigers.

Backup Robby Ashford completed 2 of 4 passes for 42 yards, with 11 rushing yards. Akron coach Joe Moorhead was Ashford’s offensive coordinator when Ashford played at Oregon.

Since it’s a non-SEC game, Beamer isn’t required to send an injury report ahead of Saturday.

Akron’s two-quarterback offense

South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White coached with Moorhead at UConn in 2011.

White said the Zips will sometimes send out quarterbacks Tahj Bullock and Ben Finley on the field at the same time.

Finley has completed 50 of 88 passes for 549 yards and five touchdowns. He had four touchdowns in the win over Colgate last week. Bullock has completed 13 of 17 passes for 88 yards and rushed for 42 yards.

The Gamecocks may face either at quarterback on Saturday.

South Carolina offense could be more Rocket Sanders

Against LSU, Rocket Sanders ran for 143 yards, and two touchdowns. His performance included a 66-yard run.

If South Carolina gives Ashford more snaps to rest Sellers’ ankle, it’s likely going to be a more run-based offense, especially with Sanders showing shades of his pre-injury self.

However ahead of the open date, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains may want to get both Sellers and Ashford more comfortable in the passing game, but it depends on Sellers’ ankle and Akron’s defensive scheme.

South Carolina score prediction vs Akron

Prediction: The Gamecocks get back on the winning track, using last week as fuel and motivation to put up big numbers. Ashford throws his first touchdown at South Carolina. South Carolina 40, Akron 14

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin

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