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Mizzou’s Path to Victory Over South Carolina in Week 12

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Mizzou’s Path to Victory Over South Carolina in Week 12


If there’s anything to take away from their three SEC wins, you should never count out the Missouri Tigers.

When Vanderbilt forced the game into overtime, they found a way.

When starting quarterback Brady Cook was in the hospital as the offense struggled against Auburn, they found a way.

When Oklahoma scored a go-ahead touchdown with two minutes left on a recovered fumble, the Tigers found a way.

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“They’ve all been uniquely different,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said in a press conference this week. “They’ve all had a little bit different flavor to it. So, I think it’s just all three phases of the game and needing to work together to find ways to win.”

Missouri enters their Week 12 as 14-point underdogs. Cook was listed as doubtful on Friday night.

Missouri has been undefeated at home, but its roadtrips have gone about as good as David Spade and Chris Farley’s in “Tommy Boy.” The Tigers ran into College Station, Tx, undefeated and left maimed as a team and in public perception, dropping 12 spots in the rankings. A trip to Alabama in Week 9 ended with Cook suffering a second injury as Missouri fell 34-0.

Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images / Butch Dill-Imagn Images

Both of those games were decided by the second quarter, if not earlier. Texas A&M took a 17-0 lead 33 seconds into the second quarter and Alabama took Drew Pyne’s first pass attempt for a interception near the end of the first half.

Though Cook is doubtful and starting wide receiver Mookie Cooper is already listed as out, the Missouri offense have made one step toward full health this week: leading rusher Nate Noel is progessing toward full health. Noel’s availability could be cruical to Missouri’s chances against the Gamecocks.

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Noel returned to action for the Tigers in Week 11 against Oklahoma after missing Week 9 against Alabama with a foot injury he suffered in Week 8 against Auburn. But in the win over the Sooners, Noel only took 10 of Missouri’s 46 carries.

“It was feeling pretty good on Saturday,” Noel said of playing with the injury against Oklahoma. “I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to 100%. I’ve been working with my trainers and strength staff and I feel like I’m getting very close to that mark.”

Without Noel in the lineup, Missouri’s run game has relied on the powerful Marcus Carroll and the shifty Jamal Roberts. Against Oklahoma, Roberts rushed for 54 yards on 13 carries and Carroll for 25 yards on 13 carries.

On 46 total carries, Missouri rushed for 135 total yards, with 70 coming in the second half. Establishing the run game in the final two quarters to take the pressure off backup quarterback Drew Pyne, filling in for an injured Brady Cook.

“I thought we did a nice job of finding tough yards,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said of the performance against Oklahoma. “We didn’t run for a ton of yards against [Oklahoma], but we did outrush them in the game, and I thought that was the separator for us.”

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Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jahlil Hurley (25) grabs onto Missouri Tigers

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jahlil Hurley (25) grabs onto Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Carroll (9) during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images / Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Although Missouri’s first two touchdown drives ended with passes from Pyne, the play selection tells the story on how the Tigers made it down to the end zone. On the two drives, Missouri ran 13 runs compared to just five passes. The runs went for 49 yards and the passes for 36.

“We knew we needed to establish the run to take some pressure off of him [Pyne],” Drinkwitz said. “I thought he delivered. I thought he did a really nice job stepping up in the pocket.”

Success from Noel, Carroll or Roberts not only takes pressure off Pyne and yards off his plate, but also forces the defense to be wary of the threat of both the run and pass game. Especially with Missouri’s outside zone blocking scheme that can seamlessly open up the play action pass.

“It opens up so much more in their passing game because of what they’re able to do in the run game,” South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer said on a conference call Wednesday.

Whether it is Pyne at quarterback or Cook is able to make his return against South Carolina, the Missouri run game will be crucial to the Tigers upsetting South Carolina. With Cook dealing with an ankle and hand injury, he’ll likely be limited in some fashion.

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Additionally, the Missouri offensive line will doing with an adjustment as Drake Heismeyer fills in for Connor Tollison. The three-year starter suffered a season-ending leg injury in the third quarter against Oklahoma.

Redshirt senior Drake Heismeyer will fill in for Tollison after allowing zero pressures on 14 snaps against Oklahoma. He’s played on special teams each of the last four seasons and has appeared in eight games along the offensive line through his career.

“He’s played quite a bit of football,” Drinkwitz said of Heismeyer. “He just hasn’t played in the role that we’re going to ask him to play now. He’s a very smart young man. … It’s really just going to be about stepping into that moment and owning the moment. We have a lot of confidence in him.”

With uncertainty at center and quarterback, Saturday’s game feels like another for Missouri that will reveal its direction early on. How quickly the Tigers can establish the run game will be a significant part of the direction it heads in.

Against Alabama and Texas A&M, Missouri rushed for a combined 25 yards in the first quarter before everything piled up against the Tigers.

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Establishing the run game and early for Missouri will not only open a struggling and hampered pass offense, but also keep the pace of the game in check. Against Texas A&M, Missouri’s average first quarter drive lasted 3.7 plays and just 1:42. Against Alabama, 4.3 plays and 2:50. It wasn’t until the third quarter when Missouri was able to convert a third down without the help of a penalty on Alabama.

A consistent run game to find any sort of rhythm and more first downs early on could be the solution for road games that have quickly gotten out of hand for the Tigers.

No matter who is in at quarterback for Missouri, a consistent, effective rushing attack will be crucial to its offensive attack. A disciplined offensive attack might not have as much fireworks as the thrilling fashion the Tigers have secured victories in so far this season, but its possibly the best half against a dangerous South Carolina team.

Three Things to Know About South Carolina Football.
Beamer Talks Dynamic Mizzou Offense, Athletic Offensive Line Ahead of Matchup
Eli Drinkwitz Reviews Mizzou’s ‘Poor’ Special Teams Play Against Oklahoma



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House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

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House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling


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.

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“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.

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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

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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!

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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.



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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas


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  • U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have caused a sharp rise in global energy prices.
  • Analysts predict gas prices will rise in the U.S., including in South Carolina.
  • The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route.
  • South Carolina’s average gas price remains lower than the national average, which is approaching $3 per gallon.

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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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:

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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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