Columbia, S.C. — Vicari Swain turned special teams into a one-man highlight reel Saturday night, returning two punts for touchdowns and becoming South Carolina’s career leader in punt-return scores as the Gamecocks defeated Towson 45-9.
Swain, a senior defensive back, gave South Carolina an early spark with a 58-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. He struck again in the third, racing 45 yards for his second score of the night and fifth of his career.
That second touchdown moved Swain past Dickie Harris, who returned four punts for touchdowns between 1969 and 1971, for the most punt-return touchdowns in South Carolina history.
Swain’s second return came with South Carolina already in control. Towson was forced to punt from deep in its own territory, and Swain broke toward the left side before weaving through traffic. He then leaped over Towson punter Owen Scheihing to complete the return.
Scheihing was helped from the field on a cart following the collision, remaining upright and alert.
Swain’s impact extended beyond his return game. He also blocked an extra-point attempt following Towson’s only touchdown.
South Carolina improved to 2-0 for the third consecutive season, although the victory was far less clean than its season-opening 57-0 demolition of Kent State.
The Gamecocks struggled with turnovers, penalties and missed opportunities throughout the night.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers provided one of the game’s biggest offensive plays when he broke loose for a 58-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, extending South Carolina’s lead to 24-3.
Shortly afterward, lightning and heavy rain forced a 74-minute delay.
When play finally resumed, South Carolina continued to pull away.
Matt Fuller broke off a 55-yard touchdown run, but his night was otherwise uneven. Fuller lost two fumbles and appeared to score on a 14-yard run before the touchdown was erased by a penalty.
South Carolina also left points on the field through the passing game.
Sellers finished with only 96 passing yards, his lowest total since becoming the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback. Two potential touchdown throws to open receivers in the end zone were dropped, while Sellers also threw an interception just before halftime with South Carolina threatening to score.
Max Kelley missed his first field-goal attempt of the season.
Despite the offensive miscues, South Carolina’s defense consistently kept Towson from generating momentum.
The Tigers managed only 203 total yards and produced just 21 yards on the ground. Towson remained within striking distance at 24-9 before South Carolina closed the game with the final 21 points.
Towson finally reached the end zone in the third quarter when Aaron Enterline hauled in a 23-yard touchdown pass.
The Tigers fell to 0-3 but showed stretches of competitiveness against an SEC opponent after losing 42-15 to Navy the previous week. Towson also received $550,000 for making the trip to Columbia.
The Takeaway
Towson: The Tigers were unable to consistently move the football against South Carolina’s defense, particularly on the ground. Still, they battled through a difficult matchup and kept the game within 15 points before the Gamecocks finished strong.
South Carolina: The 2-0 start is encouraging, but coach Shane Beamer has plenty to address before SEC play begins. The Gamecocks cannot afford the turnovers, dropped passes and missed opportunities they had against Towson when Mississippi State comes to Columbia.
Up Next:
Towson returns home Saturday night to face Morgan State.
South Carolina opens SEC play Saturday when Mississippi State visits Columbia. The Bulldogs enter the matchup after winning their first two games by a combined 100-26.
