South Carolina and Mississippi State prepare for SEC opener

The South Carolina Gamecocks and Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to face each other in their SEC opener this Saturday. Both teams enter the matchup with 2-0 records following dominant performances in their first two weeks of the 2026 season.

A highly anticipated quarterback duel is expected between South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Mississippi State’s sophomore Kamario Taylor. Taylor has emerged as a standout performer, leading the SEC in passing with 584 yards and seven touchdowns through two weeks, while also ranking as a top rusher in the conference.

Ahead of the game, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer provided injury updates on several key players. While Carter Miller (back tightness), Maurice Brown (bruise), and DJ Black (minor leg injury) are not at 100 percent, Beamer indicated they are expected to play. The availability of defensive player Dylan Stewart remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a previous back injury.