No. 14 Oklahoma (5-1, 2-1 SEC) and South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 SEC) meet in a Week 8 SEC battle at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
Oklahoma enters this matchup coming off a frustrating 23-6 loss to Texas in the Red River Rivalry, where the Sooners’ offense faltered for the first time all season.
Quarterback John Mateer, returning just 17 days after thumb surgery, struggled mightily against the Longhorns’ pressure. Texas held Oklahoma to just 48 rushing yards on 30 carries and intercepted Mateer three times, including once in the end zone before halftime — a sequence that flipped momentum and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Mateer finished 20-of-38 for 202 yards, later admitting, “The pain level was nothing. There’s no excuse,” while conceding that his decision-making and reads weren’t sharp enough.
That loss highlighted Oklahoma’s one glaring weakness: turnovers. The Sooners rank 129th nationally in turnover margin (–7), a number that stands in stark contrast to South Carolina’s +6 mark (8th). If Oklahoma is to reassert itself as a playoff contender, it must protect the football and finish drives — something it failed to do against Texas.
Otherwise, the Sooners remain one of college football’s most complete defensive teams. They lead the nation in total defense (211.2 yards per game) and rank 2nd in scoring defense (9.8 points per game). Opponents are averaging just 126.3 passing yards (2nd) and 84.8 rushing yards (10th) per game against them, while Oklahoma’s third-down defense is 7th 7th-best in FBS.
Offensively, Oklahoma has averaged 389.0 yards per game (70th) and 29.2 points (66th). Mateer has thrown for 1,417 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions, while Tory Blaylock leads the rushing attack with 292 yards and three scores. Isaiah Sategna remains the top receiving threat with 420 yards and three touchdowns.
South Carolina, meanwhile, has struggled to find rhythm on offense, ranking 123rd nationally in total offense (310.0 yards per game). The Gamecocks average just 194.7 yards through the air (100th) and 115.3 on the ground (112th). They’ve converted only 35.9% of third downs (104th) and rank 117th in red-zone efficiency, scoring on just three-quarters of their trips inside the 20.
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has thrown for 1,010 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, completing 64.0% of his passes. Running back Rahsul Faison has 231 yards and three scores, while Vandrevius Jacobs leads the team in receiving with 341 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, South Carolina has been solid despite its offensive inconsistency, allowing just 339.5 yards per game (50th) and 19.0 points (32nd). The unit has been particularly effective against the pass (192.5 yards per game, 41st). Still, penalty discipline and time of possession remain major issues. The Gamecocks average 68.7 penalty yards per game (116th) and hold the ball for only 27:08 per game (122nd), putting added strain on the defense.
Prediction
Oklahoma’s defensive dominance should be the deciding factor in this matchup, especially against a South Carolina team that ranks near the bottom of the FBS in nearly every offensive category.
The Sooners’ ability to rebound from their offensive breakdown against Texas will determine how lopsided this one gets, but unless South Carolina can replicate the Longhorns’ pass-rush success and win the turnover battle, Oklahoma should control the tempo and keep the Gamecocks’ offense in check.
Projected Score: Oklahoma 24, South Carolina 13
How to Watch Oklahoma vs. South Carolina
Kickoff for the Oklahoma vs. South Carolina matchup is set for 12:45 PM Eastern at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC.
The game airs live on the SEC Network and streams through the ESPN app and website with a TV provider login.
Looking to catch the game for free? The SEC Network is also available on Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV — all of which offer free trials.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 12:45 PM Eastern
Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
TV: SEC Network
Streaming: SEC and ESPN apps and websites
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