Oklahoma Sooners Dominate the South Carolina Gamecocks
Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up in Columbia. After getting punched in the mouth by Texas a couple of weeks back, the Oklahoma Sooners needed a statement game – and boy, did they deliver one Saturday afternoon.
The final score reads 26-7, but honestly, it felt like watching a grown man play football with a bunch of middle schoolers. Brent Venables’ squad moved to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play, while Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks dropped to a disappointing 3-4 overall and 1-4 in conference action. Ouch.
Oklahoma’s Ground Game Finally Shows Up
Remember all that hand-wringing about the Sooners’ rushing attack? Yeah, you can pump the brakes on that panic button for now. Tory Blaylock looked like he’d been shot out of a cannon, ripping off 101 rushing yards and finding the end zone once. The junior running back set the tone early, bulldozing his way to 45 yards and a touchdown on just four carries during the opening drive. When your running back is averaging over 11 yards per carry on the first possession, you know it’s going to be one of those days.
Running Back Xavier Robinson wasn’t about to be outdone, adding 44 yards and another touchdown of his own. The Sooners finished with 171 rushing yards at 4.3 yards per pop – not exactly earth-shattering numbers, but a welcome sight for Oklahoma fans who’ve been holding their breath every time their team lines up in the backfield.
Defense Steps Up When It Matters Most
While the offense was doing its thing, the Oklahoma defense was absolutely suffocating South Carolina’s attack. Taylor Wein had himself a day, recording four tackles (including two for loss) and picking off a pass on what had to be the most poorly executed fake punt in recent memory.
Wein didn’t just stop there – he blew up a trick play like he was defusing a bomb and sent Gamecocks Quarterback LaNorris Sellers tumbling on the first possession. The kid was everywhere, playing like someone had told him his scholarship depended on this game alone.
Kendal Daniels wasn’t messing around either, tallying six tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. When your defense is making the opposing offense look like they’re moving in slow motion, you know you’re doing something right.
Looking Ahead: Ole Miss Brings the Heat
Now comes the real test. The Sooners host No. 5 Ole Miss next Saturday, and let’s be honest – the Rebels aren’t going to roll over like South Carolina did. Oklahoma proved they could bounce back from adversity in Columbia, but Lane Kiffin’s squad presents an entirely different level of challenge. The good news? This team just showed it has the heart of a champion when backed into a corner.
