The South Carolina Gamecocks claimed win number five on the season (third SEC win) on Saturday night against Oklahoma with a score of 42-25. The Oklahoma Sooners hosted the Gamecocks in Norman on the Halloween evening. This third straight win is monumental for the Gamecocks as they prove to themselves and the world that they are a team worthy of talking about and a team that can compete. 

LaNorris Sellers looked like the difference maker everyone has expected

LaNorris Sellers performance has been one of the hot topics throughout this season. It’s no secret his season started out slow but the last three games, we’ve seen the LaNorris that was in the Heisman conversation, first round draft pick conversation, and a record breaking QB for South Carolina. Saturday night LaNorris went 19/24, 301 yards, 3 passing TDs, 96 rushing yards, and 2 rushing TDs. Sellers looked like the comfortable quarterback that we saw glimpses of earlier in his career with the Gamecocks. When he’s on fire, his arm and legs are a weapon against any defense. Sellers did have 2 interceptions that factor into the inconsistency he occasionally has as a quarterback. As the Gamecocks progress through the season and have an opportunity to turn this season into something, the interceptions are unacceptable if you want to compete at a high level in the SEC.

The Gamecocks dismantled a respected Oklahoma defense

South Carolina didn’t just win by exploiting the mistakes of Oklahoma. The Gamecocks consistently moved the ball generated explosive plays. Explosive plays have not been tolerated much offensively against the Sooners this season. Going into the game, Oklahoma ranked 11th nationally in total defense, allowing only 273.7 yds/game, 4.7 yds/play, and only allowing 23.6% third down conversions. The South Carolina Kendal Briles offense annihilated Oklahoma’s defense with 521 yards, 22 first downs when Oklahoma previously only allowed 13.6/game, and a 57.1% third down conversion rate. The offense also produced several explosive plays, a 79-yards touchdown by Mazeo Bennett who also got four receptions for 107 yards, and DJ Black’s 84-yard touchdown. The Gamecocks struggled early in the season with long passes but it seems as if that issue was resolved in this game. 

The defense dominated for three quarters

On the defensive side, the Gamecocks held Oklahoma to 118 yards and 10 points in the first three quarters. The Sooners finished the game with just 115 yards rushing, which has been their largest strength this season, and the Gamecocks were able to get 3 sacks. Aside from the fourth quarter, where some players were put in that were lower on the depth chart, the defense played a physical, disruptive game against the Sooners. The defense has also shown major improvement since earlier in the season. Several players have discussed this in press conferences over the past few weeks attributing their success to everyone being on the same page and playing with the same rhythm. 

Matt Fuller’s injury puts a damper on the victory

Matt Fuller was a rushing weapon coming into the Oklahoma game with 513 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns this season. Fuller suffered a foot or lower leg injury in the game that opened up a running back spot. Between Jabree Coleman, Isaiah Augustave, and Christian Clark, the Gamecocks failed well without their RB1 on the field. Coleman, the main sub for Fuller, recorded 62 rushing yards on 13 carries while Augustave had 31 yards on six carries and Clark got a touchdown, his first of the season. Fuller underwent surgery Sunday morning and it’s been reported by Shane Beamer in his Sunday evening teleconference that Fuller’s surgery went well but most likely will be out for the remainder of the season due to a month long recovery process. Keep Fuller in your prayers as he recovers. I know the team will miss him for the remainder of the season.

Has Shane Beamer turned things around?

Just a few weeks ago, South Carolina struggled with inconsistencies despite the talent. Fans were questioning the program and Beamer was under a lot of scrutiny. Now, the Gamecocks have won three straight SEC games, two of them being against ranked teams, and the vibe seems different. Whether it’s a hot streak or it’s evidence the Gamecocks finally have a team playing to its full potential is still to be determined. Beamer gave credit to Briles for the offensive improvement and said Sellers is playing a lot more comfortably and confidently. Despite the big win over Oklahoma, the Gamecocks did struggle with penalties and turnovers. The  three turnovers and nine penalties for 90 yards are not acceptable for a team that wants to play against the best of the SEC and give them a run for their money. 

Can South Carolina keep the momentum going?

South Carolina faces Texas A&M this Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Three weeks ago, South Carolina’s schedule was slipping away. Now after three consecutive wins, the Gamecocks have their fans something that seemed to be disappearing: hope. It’s no longer a question of whether this team can compete. It’s a matter of putting together a well played football game when the stakes get higher. With a win this weekend, the Gamecocks have the chance of improving to 6-3 and becoming bowl eligible but beyond that, if the Gamecocks can win out and go 9-3, there’s still a slim chance of a playoff berth given that other teams struggle. There’s a lot on the line and this seasons not over yet. Can the Gamecocks step up to the plate?

Go Gamecocks!!!

Forever to Thee!!!

Prayers for Matt Fuller