2. Defensive Consistency
In the second quarter against Texas, the Sooners’ defense got away from what has made them so successful this season and even dating back to 2023. Playing sound, fundamental, team defense.
The Oklahoma Sooners are at their best when everyone is locked in on their responsibilities and not trying to do too much.
The South Carolina Gamecocks have some dynamic athletes on offense. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers can win with his legs and has a big arm. Running back Raheim Sanders is averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will utilize the read-option and misdirection to try and take advantage of Oklahoma’s aggressiveness. If the Sooners don’t play disciplined, they’ll get caught out of position like they were against the Texas Longhorns on a number of occasions.
Look for the Gamecocks to throw the kitchen sink at the Sooners defense to see if they can be exploited by some trick plays.
3. Win the Special Teams Battle
This matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the South Carolina Gamecocks could very well come down to who wins the special teams battle. The Sooners have been much improved on that front, but still need to find some consistency in the return game.
The game could be won or lost in the punting game. Field position is an underrated aspect when we break down games. But with two offenses that aren’t necessarily putting a ton of points on the board, playing field position and good defense could be the biggest factor.
Oklahoma punter Luke Elzinga and South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger may be the most important players on the field for either team as Brent Venables and Shane Beamer look to play field position with their stout defenses.
Elzinga leads the conference in punts downed inside the 20, and Kroeger is No. 1 in average yards per punt. This will be an incredible matchup that may determine who wins the game.
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