"I told our team in the locker room; we have to finish."
Shane Beamer liked everything he saw on Saturday in Columbia except for the fourth quarter.
"I felt like we played a really good game on offense, defense, and special teams, except in the fourth quarter. We couldn't finish," Beamer said Saturday night after the loss to Alabama.
South Carolina (3-5) fell to Alabama (6-1) on Saturday evening by a score of 29-22; the third loss in a row for the Gamecocks. Shane Beamer's squad out-gained the Tide 333-325 but fell short due to their inability to finish when it mattered.
"When you have the #4 team in the country on the ropes at home in the fourth quarter, you have to close them out and we just didn't get it done tonight. It's on me. We have to be better," Beamer said postgame.
While the Gamecocks had their chances up 22-14 in the final quarter of play, a fourteen-play drive by Alabama and a turnover by the Gamecock signal-caller ultimately cost them their chance to seal their fate. Even with the late turnover, Sellers was an instrumental piece of the Gamecock's success versus Alabama as he threw for 222 yards and 1 TD and tacked on 67 rushing yards and 1 TD.
Blame has been passed around generously this season as the Gamecocks have still not found their footing but regardless of what happens in game, there is only one person that has to shoulder the burden. During the postgame presser, Shane Beamer was asked how he handles those burdens.
"It's hard", Beamer said, "I meant what I said Tuesday. As the coach, I feel like I'm letting a lot of people down. I know today I let a lot of people down. I wish I had something to say to make it better. I know our fans hurt but I told our team, yes, it's been a tough year but outside of seeing my family, the best part of my day is the four hours I get to spend with the players when they come in the building." Beamer also spoke about a two-year plan he is navigating through in the Bible and how leadership has been a focal point in recent weeks. "Leadership is important, and right now that is what I am trying to focus on; being the best leader I can be for this team."
Blame for Saturday's disappointment can certainly be passed around in multiple areas, however, it was South Carolina and South Carolina alone who allowed 117 yards of offense from Alabama in that final quarter of play that resulted in the deciding 15 points.
The Gamecocks will hit the road next Saturday to take on the Rebels of Ole Miss.