For the first time since 2022, South Carolina is back in the College Football Playoff ranking. The Gamecocks (6-3, 4-3 SEC), which were left out of the selection committee’s initial 2024 rankings last week, found themselves Tuesday night at No. 21, two places higher than where the Associated Press poll slotted them.

It's South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt in Week 11 of the college football season. Follow live game, score updates as the Gamecocks seek bowl eligibility.

South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Joshua Simon (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The South Carolina Gamecocks knocked off the Vanderbilt Commodores this weekend in dominating fashion, and it was enough to propel them into the AP poll rankings for the first time this season. The Gamecocks have four conference wins on the season now and are ranked 23rd in the country now.

With Vanderbilt coming in to the South Carolina game already bowl eligible, there was some hope that Vanderbilt would end its 15-year losing streak to the Gamecocks. Lol, no. In the first half, South Carolina turned Vanderbilt’s ball-control game against the Commodores,