Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver J.J. Hester (13) is up ended by defesive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 12, 2024. (© SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Oklahoma and South Carolina Prepare for SEC Clash

Daniel Betancourt October 16, 2024 College Football, Football, SEC 43 Views

This Saturday, Oklahoma (4-2) and South Carolina (3-3) will face off in Norman for a critical SEC matchup.

Both teams are coming off tough losses last weekend and will look to get back on track with a win.

Back home vs. South Carolina https://t.co/LkqIfDFT00 | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/30PwlqceJP

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 14, 2024

General Matchup

Oklahoma boasts a strong defense, but the team has also struggled offensively. The Sooners’ defense ranks 27th in the country in scoring defense, allowing 19 points per game.

This could spell trouble for South Carolina, which heavily relies on its run game with dual threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers and running back Raheim Sanders. Oklahoma’s defense has been particularly strong against the run, making it crucial for the Gamecocks to establish a balanced offensive attack.

The brutal array of injuries in the Sooners’ receiver room could be a major story line in Saturday’s game. Against Texas, Oklahoma was missing five key receivers, making things difficult for freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

The Sooners will need these receivers back at full strength to face a South Carolina secondary that held Alabama’s receivers to 209 total yards.

On the other side of the ball, South Carolina will need to be wary of Oklahoma’s defensive schemes.

The Sooners, led by head coach Brent Venables, are known for disguising their coverages pre-snap. This strategy makes it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to read the defense.

Additionally, South Carolina will need to contend with key players like linebacker Danny Stutsman, who leads the team in tackles, and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas, who has been a disruptive force this season.

Analytical Takeaway

Ultimately, the outcome of this game may hinge on whether Oklahoma’s offense can regain its footing and overcome the challenge of South Carolina’s strong secondary. Conversely, South Carolina will need to find a way to move the ball against Oklahoma’s stout defense, likely requiring more than just its dominant rushing attack.

Coach Vernables was impressed with South Carolina’s play against Alabama and understands the tough challenge ahead of them.