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South Carolina, Missouri Set to Clash in Urgent SEC Battle

South Carolina | LaNorris Sellers, Quarterback — © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The No. 21 South Carolina Gamecocks (6-3, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) will host the No. 23 Missouri Tigers (7-2, 3-2) at 4:15 EST on Nov. 16 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. There will be more on the line than the Mayor's Cup when these teams meet for the 15th time. The Gamecocks look to add to their three-game win streak, while the Tigers claw to keep their heads above water in the SEC race.

The Stakes

Despite the three-game heater, South Carolina is all but eliminated from SEC Championship and College Football Playoff contention. The Gamecocks have three conference losses, and with only three weeks left in the season, there isn't enough ground to be made up. So, what's left on the table for one of the SEC's hottest team? Crushing the hopes and dreams of the teams left on their schedule. Defeating Missouri will eliminate the Tigers from SEC and CFP contention. A victory over the Tigers would also lock in a third winning season for 'Cocks head coach Shane Beamer.

It's not too late for Mizzou. The Tigers are one of five SEC teams with two conference losses. And with three conference games left in the season, Missouri still has a shot at the conference title and its sights set on a playoff spot. But the Tigers must win out to stay afloat, and that starts against the surging Gamecocks.

Who to Watch: South Carolina

It has taken running back Rocket Sanders some time to get rolling with the Gamecocks after the Arkansas (5-5, 3-3) transfer dealt with injuries through much of 2023 and early in 2024. But Sanders has found his groove and seems to be getting stronger as the season progresses.

Sanders rushed for 100 or more yards in each of the previous two games and has scored 5 rushing touchdowns during the three-game win streak. South Carolina is at their best offensively when Sanders is grooving. Expect plenty of opportunities for the senior when Mizzou comes to town.

Who to Watch: Missouri

Quarterback Drew Pyne is expected to get the start as incumbent starter Brady Cook recovers from injury. Pyne threw 3 interceptions in relief for Brady against No. 10 Alabama (7-2, 4-2) but threw 3 touchdowns the following week in a thrilling victory over Oklahoma (5-5, 1-5). Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz said that he expects Pyne's play to continue to improve the more practice and game reps he gets as the starter. Pyne will have to mind his P's and Q's against a Gamecocks defense that is second in the SEC with 33 sacks

Missouri | Drew Pyne, QB — © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

What to Watch

Neither team is mathematically eliminated from their ultimate goals, but the realists would say that both of these teams will be on the outside looking in when the Playoff Committee selects their top 12 teams, and the only control that either of these teams has on their futures is what happens in the next game. Expect a dogfight between two teams with exceptional defenses.