South Carolina’s 2 early defensive scores fuel 35-9 rout of Oklahoma

By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports Writer

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

South Carolina had nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss 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. He said returning was important, but the recovery after a 27-25 loss at then-No. 7 Alabama a week earlier was even more satisfying.

The Gamecocks scored 22 points off four Oklahoma turnovers without committing any turnovers themselves.

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.

“What we put out there today as a football team is nothing remotely close to the standard here at the University of Oklahoma, certainly not what we planned for today,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. “My job as a head coach is to evaluate everything and figure it out and find a way to put us in a better position to be successful.”

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, then 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 defense closed it out in the second half, giving the Gamecocks a confidence boost.

The Takeaway
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.

Beamer’s Success
Beamer was Oklahoma’s assistant head coach from 2018 to 2020 under Lincoln Riley. He coached tight ends and H-backs and assisted on special teams. The Sooners went 33-6 during those three seasons.

Welcome Back
Former Oklahoma backup Davis Beville, now the third-string quarterback at South Carolina, entered the game in the fourth quarter. He took the final kneel-down to run out the clock.

Burned Redshirt
By playing in his fifth game, Arnold burned his redshirt season. The sophomore hadn’t played since September 21st. Venables said during the week that the possibility of him redshirting had been discussed.

Up Next
Oklahoma visits No. 18 Ole Miss on Saturday.