South-Carolina
Beamer has 'a lot of confidence' in South Carolina quarterbacks behind Sellers
Shane Beamer doesn’t have a quarterback controversy on his hands, but instead he has a good problem at quarterback many teams would like to have.
When South Carolina returns from its bye week to prepare to face Ole Miss on Oct. 5, it should be getting back its starting quarterback. After not playing on Saturday, LaNorris Sellers, who is dealing with a sprained ankle, has been feeling good and could be ready to go for the team’s next game.
“We’ll be smart with him this week. I mean we don’t have to get him ready for a game this Saturday,” Beamer said. “Practices this week will be similar to previous off weeks, we’re not going to be out there two-plus hours every day. But we’ll get a lot of really good work in in the time we’re on the field. So, we’ll be smart with how we use him and get him back in there slowly so he can be at his best next week when we get to game week.”
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Even with Sellers missing a start, he’s still “QB1.” He has been from the start of the season and will continue to be as long as he’s healthy. He’s the current and future of the program at the quarterback position.
If for some reason, though, Sellers were to ever go down with an injury again, Beamer now has real options at quarterback. In South Carolina’s 50-7 win over Akron, Robby Ashford made his first start of the year and Davis Beville later came in when the game was in hand in the fourth quarter.
Saturday proved to be a much better outing for Ashford as he looked more poised and comfortable under center. After all, he did have a week to prepare for this start compared to when he was thrown into the fire against LSU after Sellers got hurt.
Ashford completed 15 of his 21 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 133 yards and capped his night off with a 36-yard touchdown run on his final play in the fourth quarter.
“I’ve said all along I felt like we had multiple quarterbacks that we could win with. When we named LaNorris the starter, it wasn’t like Robby lost the job. We felt confident in Robby and that’s why we’ve tried to get him into games in regular situations,” Beamer said.
“… Robby did a great job (Saturday) and took a step, for sure. Nothing against the way that he practiced, but I thought he played a lot better than he even practiced this week as well. Looked very poised and calm.”
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Ashford ended up finishing as the highest-graded quarterback, according to Pro Football Focus, with a 93.8 rating in Week 4. Beamer was impressed with some of the longer throws Ashford was able to make, completing five passes for 27 or more yards. His longest pass of the night was a 44-yard throw on a crossing route to Gage Larvadain in the third quarter.
“I mean, he made some big-time throws,” Beamer said. “I mean, that throw to Gage over there on Akron’s sideline, that was a big-time throw. He released that ball before Gage even came out of his break. Some big-time throws and then you saw what he could do with his feet.”
In the 16 snaps Beville played on Saturday, he made the most of his limited opportunity. He completed 4-of-6 passes for 33 yards and threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Connor Cox. It was his first touchdown since Dec. 30, 2021, when he was playing with Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State.
“He’s been on quite the journey in his college football career and for him to get in there, he’s an awesome teammate, he’s so supportive and a great confidant, whatever you want to call it to LaNorris and Robby both,” Beamer said. “For him to be able to get in there and make some throws and throw his first touchdown pass since 2021, I was told in the locker room, it’s pretty cool for him.”
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And (I’m) really proud of Davis too. He’s been on quite the journey in his college football career and for him to get in there, he’s an awesome teammate, he’s so supportive and a great confidant, whatever you want to call it to LaNorris and Robby both. For him to be able to get in there and make some throws and throw his first touchdown pass since 2021, I was told in the locker room, it’s pretty cool for him.”
So, while things will return to normal once Sellers is back, Beamer and South Carolina now have a much better idea of who can play well behind him if needed. Luckily for him, he now has two quarterbacks in the waiting who can step up at any given moment.
“(I’ve) got a lot of confidence in that quarterback position,” Beamer said. “… We’ve got multiple quarterbacks that can help us win football games and proud of all three of those guys in the way they continue to help each other and how they continue to get better.”
South-Carolina
House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling
HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House ethics committee announced Monday it is investigating Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican, for potentially improper reimbursement.
Mace may have sought and received reimbursements for Washington property expenses that were greater than the costs she actually incurred. The congresswoman has taken issue with the reliability of the committee’s evidence, however.
The committee began its investigation following a December referral from the House Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct. The OCC recommended that the committee investigate Mace’s reimbursement activity since there is “substantial” reason to believe she acted unethically – potentially in violation of House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.
Bills and statements from early 2023 to mid-2024 show that Mace overbilled the House for over $9,000 during that period, the OCC said. She allegedly requested the maximum reimbursement each month, at times receiving over a thousand dollars more than what she was entitled to, although the details of her finances are murky. Mace owned the property with her fiancé, who may have helped pay for it, according to the OCC.
“Based on the information available to the OCC, it appears Rep. Mace was reimbursed amounts exceeding the actual costs incurred for the DC Property during several months in 2023 and 2024,” the office said in its report.
“Further, if Rep. Mace did not pay for 100% of expenses related to the DC property – a determination the OCC could neither reach nor reject due to the Congresswoman’s lack of cooperation – this would increase the disparity between the amounts Rep. Mace was reimbursed and her actual expenses incurred.”
Mace’s lawyer, William Sullivan, Jr., wrote in response to the report in December that the OCC’s conclusions were “fundamentally flawed.” The report appeared to include unverified assertions and materials from the congresswoman’s former fiancé, who has a history of abusive and retaliatory behavior toward her, Sullivan said. The couple’s relationship ended in late 2023 to protect Mace’s “safety and wellbeing,” he noted.
“The Referral Report’s reliance on material and information originating from [the former fiancé] is therefore deeply problematic,” Sullivan wrote. “[The fiancé’s] personal motives, documented misuse of legal process, and demonstrated willingness to advance distorted or incomplete narratives about the Congresswoman raise substantial concerns about the accuracy and fairness of any claims premised upon or aligned with his accounts.”
The ethics committee is in the initial stage of its investigation and is gathering more information before advancing.
Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.
South-Carolina
How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3
The college basketball slate on Tuesday will include Mike Sharavjamts and the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-17, 3-13 SEC) hosting Nate Ament and the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9, 10-6 SEC) at Colonial Life Arena, with the matchup tipping at 6 p.m. ET.
See more details below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network.
Here’s everything you need to prepare for Tuesday’s college hoops action.
South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Game time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Columbia, South Carolina
- Arena: Colonial Life Arena
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Tennessee vs. South Carolina stats and trends
- Tennessee is averaging 80.1 points per game (87th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while ceding 69.2 points per contest (62nd-ranked).
- The Volunteers are dominating when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (40.1 per game) and second-best in boards allowed (25.8 per contest).
- Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country with 17.0 assists per game.
- The Volunteers are committing 11.6 turnovers per game (240th-ranked in college basketball). They are forcing 10.6 turnovers per contest (231st-ranked).
- Tennessee is making 6.8 threes per game (279th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 34.3% shooting percentage (167th-ranked) from three-point land.
- With 7.9 threes conceded per game, the Volunteers rank 196th in the country. They are giving up a 30.5% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranks 29th in college basketball.
- Tennessee is attempting 41.3 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 67.7% of the shots it has taken (and 76.2% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 19.7 three-pointers per contest, which are 32.3% of its shots (and 23.8% of the team’s buckets).
Tennessee vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-8.5)
- Moneyline: Tennessee (-437), South Carolina (+328)
- Total: 143.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 1:12 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
South-Carolina
Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas
Visuals of strike on Iran released
The United States released images it said showed US warships and planes launching strikes against Iran.
An escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in March 2026 has initiated a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Analysts predict a significant uptick in U.S. gasoline prices, including in South Carolina, which often has some of the lowest gas prices in the country.
As of March 2026, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $2.997 per gallon.
Based on projections released earlier this year in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, 2026 was initially forecast to have lower gas prices than 2025. With an expected 6% decrease, translating into approximately a 20-cent-per-gallon drop.
However, due to the conflict, these projections are now uncertain, and prices may not follow the anticipated trend.
“The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
In the week ahead, De Han stated, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year.
“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.-Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption,” said De Haan. “Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation, and while fundamentals such as inventories and refinery activity remain important anchors, the risk of broader instability, particularly involving key transit routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets.”
Here’s what South Carolinians need to know.
How much is gas in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s average gasoline price remains significantly lower than the national average.
In South Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $2.666 per gallon, according to AAA. Mid-grade gasoline is priced at $3.099, premium gasoline is $3.494, and diesel is priced at $3.505.
Gas price hikes anticipated as bombing continue in Iran
South Carolina drivers should consider filling up their gas tanks soon to avoid potential price spikes.
Analysts expect crude oil, which ended trading on Friday, Feb. 27, at about $67 a barrel, to open this week at $90 or higher as traders process the news that Iranian forces have restricted traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Why are gas prices rising?
Iran is a major oil producer, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes, according to reports from USA TODAY.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to avoid the area, and major shipping companies like Maersk have suspended all crossings. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their oil exports through there.
This disruption has and could continue to reduce supply, driving prices up as demand remains steady.
“Too many global economies depend on that corridor to remain blocked,” De Haan said. “Markets price high transaction costs and additional uncertainty, he says, but he is not expecting full closure.”
If access through the strait is limited for an extended period, prices could rise “materially above $100/barrel,” said analysts at TD Securities in a March 1 note.
On the other hand, if access through the strait is guaranteed and hostilities cease, the added costs to account for the extra risk could evaporate in a matter of weeks, the TD team wrote.
“If it becomes clear this week that the tensions with Iran are short-lived, then oil prices will come back to the 60s,” said Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, in emailed remarks to USA TODAY.
Has South Carolina hit highest record average gas prices?
Despite the current spike in gas prices due to the conflict, South Carolina has not yet surpassed its highest recorded average prices, according to AAA.
The record for regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $4.609 per gallon on June 12, 2022.
Diesel hit a peak of $5.638 per gallon on June 10, 2022.
March gas price outlook: What drivers need to know about gas prices
As reported by USA TODAY on Feb. 28, the national average for U.S. gas prices is likely to push above $3 a gallon on March 2 for the first time this year.
Over the next couple of weeks, prices will likely hit at least $3.10 to $3.15 a gallon.
There’s also a normal seasonal increase in gas prices around this time of year, driven by seasonal pipeline maintenance, the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and an increase in driving, according to GasBuddy analysis.
Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, expects gas prices to rise in roughly the same rate as oil prices over the coming weeks.
If crude jumps 10%, gas prices will as well, said Thummel.
Upstate SC Gas landscape
According to GasBuddy, in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, gas prices have shown similar trends to the national average, with drivers experiencing gradual increases at the pump.
Upstate South Carolina stations are adjusting prices in response to crude oil fluctuations and seasonal factors. Here’s the latest prices as of Mondy, March 2 at noon:
Greenville gas prices
- Stop-A-Minit: 1091 S Piedmont Hwy., recently reported $2.47
- Power Trac: 470 Bessie Road, recently reported $2.47
- BP: 1631 White Horse Road, recently reported $2.49
- Payal Express Mart: 1800 Easley Bridge Road, recently reported $2.49
Spartanburg gas prices
- QuikTrip: 21 Fairview Church Road, recently reported $2.26
- Walmart Neighborhood Market: 201 Cedar Springs Road, recently reported $2.27
- Costco Wholesale: 211 W Blackstock Road, recently reported $2.31
- Sam’s Club, 200 Peachwood Center Drive, recently reported $2.31
Anderson gas prices
- Spinix: 3221 S Murray Ave., recently reported $2.31.
- Raceway: 4606 Clemson Blvd., recently reported $2.34.
- BP: 501 E Greenville St., recently reported $2.39.
- Sam’s Club: 3812 Liberty Hwy., recently reported $2.44
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com
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