Stout Defense Lifts Football Past Oklahoma, 35-9

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — LaNorris Sellers passed for 175 yards and South Carolina scored two defensive touchdowns in the first quarter to defeat Oklahoma 35-9 on Saturday.

South Carolina forced four turnovers and held the Sooners to 291 total yards. The Gamecocks (4-3, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) got a win for their coach, former Oklahoma assistant Shane Beamer.

Jackson Arnold passed for 225 yards and a touchdown for Oklahoma after replacing Michael Hawkins Jr. in the first quarter. Jacob Jordan added six catches for 86 yards for the Sooners (4-3, 1-3). This marks the second time since 1999 that Oklahoma has lost consecutive home games.

Oklahoma got behind early after three quick turnovers that got Hawkins benched. He threw an interception on Oklahoma’s first offensive play, and the Gamecocks scored a touchdown on the possession. On Oklahoma’s next possession, Hawkins fumbled while being sacked by Demetrius Knight Jr, and Tonka Hemingway returned it 64 yards for a touchdown.

On Oklahoma’s third possession, Hawkins was hit as he threw, and Nick Emmanwori intercepted the errant throw and returned it 65 yards for a score to make it 21-0 just over five minutes into the game. Hawkins turned the ball over on three of his nine plays before he was replaced.

South Carolina led 32-3 at halftime after holding the Sooners to 109 yards.

The Takeaway

South Carolina: The Gamecocks proved that hanging tough with Alabama the previous week was no fluke. They entered the game having forced 12 turnovers, good for 12th nationally, and forced four more on Saturday.

Oklahoma: The Sooners couldn’t protect their quarterbacks, a constant theme throughout the season. Oklahoma had open receivers at times, but no time to throw to them. South Carolina had nine sacks by nine different players. Oklahoma’s defense was up to the task, holding the Gamecocks to 254 yards.

Up Next

South Carolina: Hosts No. 14 Texas A&M on Nov. 2.

Oklahoma: Visits No. 18 Ole Miss on Saturday.