What LaNorris Sellers said after the loss to Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Better, but not good enough. South Carolina missed a great chance for an away win against a top 10 opponent with four turnovers and a 27:25 defeat Alabama on Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Take a look at the stat line for quarterback LaNorris Salesmanit shows a lot of improvement from last week as he completed 23 of 31 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. The offense moved, averaging 5.3 yards per play and also went 7-for-15 on third-down conversions.

But four turnovers – three by Sellers – snuffed out any potential surprise. In the loss to the Crimson Tide (5-1, 2-1), Sellers lost two fumbles and threw another interception.

“When you’re in the SEC, you can’t turn the ball over,” fourth-year head coach said Shane Beamer said: “Against really good football teams. If you lose the turnover battle, it’s going to be hard to win.”

Sellers had two fumbles that led to 10 points, including a touchdown, that gave the Crimson Tide a lead they refused to relinquish. With a one point lead and momentum on their side after an interception in the end zone O’Donnell Fortunethe redshirt freshman was stripped of the ball in his own territory.

Three plays later, the Crimson Tide found themselves in the end zone. Sellers has now lost six fumbles this season.

“It’s about having a clock in my head and taking a sack when I need a sack,” Sellers said. “I just have to find the balance between trying to make a play and taking a sack.”

Q&A with LaNorris Sellers

How would you rate this week’s performance compared to last week?

“I would say it’s a little better. … I made a few mistakes today like I did last week, but I mean it was OK.”

Take us through the final possession after the onside kick…

“We actually have to score points. We didn’t have any time off. We played the first play, only had about 10 seconds left and had to take a shot into the end zone. Probably could have gotten an intermediate pass, spiked the ball.”

What attitude do you have trying to come back after losing two touchdowns?

“Really try to go through it piece by piece.”

More sales. What is the balance between improving and trying to limit turnover?
“Practice, get better.”

When you put it on Nyck harbor …

“It was one-on-one coverage and Nyck Harbor is a big, fast receiver. Why don’t you throw it to him?”

On the two-point conversion…

“Just let it flow and come back in the opposite direction. We had a clear exit to the corner.”

How often do you work on throwing the deep ball to Harbor?

“To be honest, we’re working on it a lot. He’s not the only receiver we worked with on this. We have a lot of guys to throw to. I just practice deep balls, timing and where to place them.”

Did the pressure get to you on the two-point conversion and you couldn’t get it out?

“Yes. That was all. They brought two off the edge and didn’t expect it. We took one down, but they brought another.”

As for the fiddling…do you have anything to point out?

“It’s about having a clock in my head and taking a sack when I have to take a sack. I just have to find the balance between trying to make a play and taking a sack.”