Dawn Staley pens note after plane journey as South Carolina Gamecocks take the dub for Bowl game eligibility

The South Carolina Gamecocks football team pulled off a stunning comeback to secure their 17-14 victory over Clemson, and the energy was palpable. After a season filled with ups and downs, the Gamecocks shone bright, led by freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who left fans and even Clemson's defense gasping. Sellers racked up 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 20-yard scramble that sealed the deal with just over a minute left.

Gamecocks basketball coach Dawn Staley joined in the excitement, tweeting:

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"We took off and @GamecockFB was down a touchdown…..we land and we won the game. We will only watch the first 3 quarters of our college playoff game. 🥰🥰🥰 Let’s freaking goooo!!!!"

Shane Beamer's squad has now won six straight games, four of them against ranked opponents, and the coach beamed with confidence in his postgame address.

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"We're nowhere near being done, but this is where we all wanted to be and expected to be." Beamer said, adding, "I think we're the hottest team in the country right now."

This victory highlighted Sellers's quality, and the Gamecocks are staking their claim as a team no one wants to face.

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Are the South Carolina Gamecocks already in the playoffs?

The South Carolina Gamecocks snagged a 17-14 win over Clemson. Their win was a big one, that certainly shook up the College Football Playoff picture. However, the pertinent question is are they officially in? Not quite yet.

The Gamecocks’ victory has put them into serious contention for the playoffs, but a spot isn't guaranteed. Sitting at 9-3 and with six straight wins — including four against ranked teams — South Carolina has made a strong case for itself.

However, the competition for the final playoff spots is fierce, with teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Boise State Broncos holding strong positions. The Gamecocks likely need some chips to fall their way in the championship games, particularly with teams like SMU, Indiana, and Boise State still playing critical matchups.

The South Carolina Gamecocks’ ranking in the upcoming Tuesday release will be crucial. If the Gamecocks leapfrog teams like Alabama or are positioned at 11th or higher, their playoff hopes become far more secure as one of the most compelling teams in the playoff race.

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