It doesn't happen often. Every few years, the SEC schedule makers decide it’s time for the South Carolina Gamecocks and the LSU Tigers to occupy the same patch of grass, and usually, chaos follows. People call it a rivalry, but honestly, if you look at the record books, it’s been a bit of a one-sided affair for a long time.
The Tigers have dominated this series. They lead 21-2-1 after the most recent 2025 meeting. That is a lot of winning for Baton Rouge.
But if you actually watch gamecock football vs lsu, the scores don't tell the whole story. It’s never just a simple blowout. It’s blocked punts, controversial flags, and games being moved because of literal natural disasters.
What Actually Happened in 2024?
Let’s talk about that 2024 game in Columbia. It was easily one of the wildest Saturday afternoons in recent memory. College Gameday was in town. Williams-Brice Stadium was vibrating.
South Carolina absolutely jumped on LSU's throat early. They were up 17-0 before some fans had even found their seats. Maurice Brown II blocked a punt. LaNorris Sellers was looking like a superstar. It felt like the curse was finally going to break.
Then things got weird.
Sellers went down with an ankle injury. LSU started clawing back behind freshman Caden Durham and Garrett Nussmeier. But the real talk after that 36-33 LSU win wasn't about the players; it was about the guys in the striped shirts.
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South Carolina had two defensive touchdowns wiped off the board. Think about that. Two. One was a 100-yard pick-six by Nick Emmanwori that got called back because of a roughing the passer/blindside block call on Kyle Kennard.
Shane Beamer was livid. The fans were even worse. Even Kirk Herbstreit, who was calling the game, was audibly confused on the broadcast. It was the kind of game that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth for years.
The Baton Rouge Curse
Fast forward to October 11, 2025. The Gamecocks had to travel into the "Belly of the Beast"—Tiger Stadium.
History has been brutal for Carolina in Death Valley. They haven't won there since 1994. That was a 18-17 squeaker back when the internet was still dial-up.
The 2025 matchup was a defensive slog. LSU won 20-10. Nussmeier did enough, throwing for 273 yards. The real story, though, was the Gamecocks' red zone struggles. They had four trips into LSU territory and came away with nothing far too often. Matt Fuller had a beautiful 72-yard touchdown run, but one big play isn't enough to beat a top-15 team on the road.
The 2025 season hasn't been kind to South Carolina. They finished 4-8 overall and a painful 1-7 in the SEC. Meanwhile, LSU managed a 7-6 finish, ending their year with a loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl.
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Gamecock Football vs LSU: The All-Time Record
If you're looking for a silver lining as a Gamecock fan, it’s hard to find in the numbers.
LSU has won nine straight meetings. Since the 20-20 tie in 1995, South Carolina hasn't been able to get over the hump.
- Total Games Played: 24
- LSU Wins: 21
- South Carolina Wins: 2
- Ties: 1
The "Home" game that wasn't is another weird chapter. In 2015, massive flooding in Columbia forced the game to be moved to Baton Rouge. South Carolina was the "home" team in name only. They played the Gamecock hype videos on the LSU big screen. They wore their home jerseys. They still lost 45-24.
Why the Gap Exists
Why is this series so lopsided? It’s not a lack of talent.
South Carolina has brought some of its best teams into this matchup. In 2012, they went to Baton Rouge ranked No. 3 in the country. They had Jadeveon Clowney, Marcus Lattimore, and Stephon Gilmore. They still lost 23-21.
The difference usually comes down to depth and "Death Valley Magic." LSU has a way of surviving games they have no business winning. In 2024, they were outplayed for three quarters and still escaped. In 2025, their defense turned into a brick wall exactly when it needed to.
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Actionable Takeaways for the Next Meeting
If you are a fan or a bettor looking at the next time these two face off, keep these things in mind.
First, ignore the spread if the game is in Columbia. The Gamecocks play LSU significantly better at Williams-Brice. The energy of "Sandstorm" and a noon or night kickoff in SC creates a level of chaos that LSU struggles to handle early.
Second, watch the injury report on the Gamecock QBs. In both 2024 and 2025, the health of LaNorris Sellers was the pivot point. When he's 100%, South Carolina’s offense is dynamic enough to scare anyone. When he's hobbled, they become one-dimensional, and LSU’s pass rush (which tallied five sacks in the 2025 game) will feast.
Finally, expect the unexpected. Whether it’s officiating drama or weather delays, this specific matchup is a magnet for the bizarre. Don't assume a lead is safe until the clock hits zero.
To keep up with the latest recruiting moves for both programs, you should check the 247Sports team pages or follow the SEC's official injury reports leading up to game week. The gap is closing, but until the Gamecocks can finish a four-quarter game without a special teams or officiating meltdown, the Tigers will keep the upper hand.