Norman, Oklahoma – Fresh off a thrilling performance against Alabama, the South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for another challenging game, this time against the Oklahoma Sooners. This matchup marks the first time these two programs will face each other, now as SEC rivals.
Season Overview:
- South Carolina: Entering the game with a 3-3 record, the Gamecocks, led by LaNorris Sellers and Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, are looking to build on their recent performances.
- Oklahoma: The Sooners, with a 4-2 record, are eager to bounce back after a tough loss to their arch-rival, Texas.
Upcoming Challenges: The Gamecocks’ schedule is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After facing Oklahoma, they will take on No. 14 Texas A&M, followed by games against Vanderbilt, Missouri, Wofford, and Clemson during Rivalry Week. Head coach Shane Beamer aims to continue his streak of bowl appearances, having led the team to bowls in his first two seasons.
Recruiting Success: Adding to their momentum, South Carolina recently secured a commitment from J’Zavien Currence, the top recruit in the state for the Class of 2026.
Expert Predictions: The “College GameDay” crew has weighed in on the outcome of this highly anticipated game:
- Desmond Howard: South Carolina
- Nick Saban: South Carolina
- Pat McAfee: South Carolina
- Scottie Scheffler: South Carolina
- Lee Corso: South Carolina
- Kirk Herbstreit: Oklahoma
Simulation Insights: In a series of 100 simulations run on “EA SPORTS College Football 25,” Oklahoma emerged victorious 54 times, with an average score of 24-20 in favor of the Sooners. Notably, 59 games were decided by one possession, and eight went into overtime, with South Carolina winning five of those overtime games.
Oklahoma Highlights:
- Average points: 24
- Average yards per game: 316
- Biggest win: 28-0 in Game 18
- Biggest loss: 27-7 in Game 66
- Highest scoring game: 52-45 in Game 53
- Lowest scoring game: 3 points in Game 25
- MVP: Michael Hawkins Jr. (38 times), with a standout performance in Game 53 (298 yards, 5 touchdowns)
South Carolina Highlights:
- Average points: 20
- Average yards per game: 298
- Biggest win: 27-7 in Game 66
- Biggest loss: 28-0 in Game 18
- Highest scoring game: 49-38 in Game 7
- Lowest scoring game: Scoreless in Game 18
- MVP: LaNorris Sellers (33 times), with a standout performance in Game 38 (264 yards, 4 touchdowns)
With most experts favoring South Carolina and simulations showing a closely contested game, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the Gamecocks can capitalize on their recent form and secure a crucial victory on the road.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and historic game between these two storied programs.