This season, the Oklahoma Sooners (4-2, 1-2) entered the SEC. This sets up a new conference rivalry that will be born this weekend, as the Sooners host the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3) for their first matchup between the two teams. Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium will be rocking as both teams look to get back in the win column in a star-studded matchup.
South Carolina’s Key Players
Running Back, Rocket Sanders
Coming off what was probably his second best game for South Carolina, Sanders will need to keep up the quality runs. One of the best ways to beat a defense is by wearing them down in the run game; and that’s something Sanders can be good at. Rocket looks to build off the momentum from last game where he had over 100 scrimmage yards.
Quarterback, LaNorris Sellers
The redshirt freshman played well last week against Alabama. He completed 74 percent of his passes, for 238 yards, and two touchdowns. One thing he has to limit, however, is giveaways. Sellers had three turnovers, one interception and two fumbles. This powerful Oklahoma defense will make you pay if you give them opportunities for takeaways, so it is vital that Sellers plays a clean game.
Oklahoma’s Key Players
Quarterback, Michael Hawkins Jr.
The freshman took over the starting role from Jackson Arnold three weeks ago and has kept it since. Despite that, the team hasn’t had much success. Since taking over, Oklahoma has lost to No. 6 Volunteers by 10, squeezing out a win against unranked Auburn, and getting blown out of the water by No. 1 Texas.
In the 67 passes attempted, Hawkins only has one touchdown. Neither quarterback has found their stride against top-level defenses which is why they rank 126 out of 134 FBS schools in offensive passing efficiency. Hawkins will have to step things up against the Gamecocks, especially if the run game can’t get going.
Linebacker, Danny Stutsman
Stutsman ranks No. 32 on ESPN’s ‘Top 100’ players list for 2024 and gets called “the heart and soul of the Sooners’ defense”. With 46 total tackles over OU’s first six games, South Carolina will likely be game planning around on how to try and limit his effectiveness.
Defensive Back, Billy Bowman Jr.
The senior always makes his presence felt in the secondary. Last year, Bowman tallied six interceptions — three of which he returned to the house — and he already has two so far in 2024. In his past two seasons, he has combined for 124 total tackles, a big reason why he also found his way onto ESPN’s list at No. 73.
Keys To A Gamecocks Win
Both teams struggle to move the ball offensively. However, both teams big plays defensively. That is why this game should be defensive-heavy with a lot of points coming off field goals. The differences in this game will be who (if anybody) can make a big explosive play, and which team’s red zone defense can force field goals.
The run game will play a huge part for the South Carolina Gamecocks. When LaNorris Sellers hasn’t played at his best, the Gamecocks have been forced to over-rely on the run game. With the Sooners high-powered defense, this is the time for Rocket Sanders but mainly the offensive linemen to prove what they can do. It’s what almost won them the games against Alabama and LSU. Can the Gamecocks do it against Oklahoma?
The defense needs to keep providing a spark. Good defensive play will influence the offense to play better. Momentum is key especially as underdogs on the road in the SEC, and the defense will be tasked with creating that energy.
