"In the Weeds": Keys to Victory for OU Football vs. South Carolina

Gabe Ikard and Teddy Lehman break down the "Keys to Victory" for OU football against the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 31, 2026. The Oklahoma Sooners defense faces a great challenge in USC QB LaNorris Sellers. John Mateer and the Sooners offense will have to prevent Dylan Stewart from wrecking the game and take advantage of some of the issues the Gamecocks have had in the secondary.

Oklahoma's defense vs. South Carolina's offense
0:51 OU's defense must be disciplined with their pass rush lanes and not allow LaNorris Sellers to escape and do serious damage with his running ability
3:35 OU's defenders can't leave their feet to tackle LaNorris Sellers
7:34 OU's defense must get South Carolina in 3rd & long situations where they can collapse the pocket and make LaNorris Sellers uncomfortable as a passer
10:29 OU's defense must minimize the impact of Matt Fuller and USC's traditional run game
14:23 OU's defense must minimize Gamecocks WR Mazeo Bennett's yards after the catch
18:09 OU's defense must defend all of the passes that USC throws at the line of scrimmage (bubbles, quick screens, tunnel screens, etc.) well

Oklahoma's offense vs. South Carolina's defense
23:49 OU must give E'Marion Harris the appropriate amount of help in pass protection to insure DYLAN STEWART DOES NOT WRECK THE GAME
28:22 OU must build on the momentum and continue to find success running the ball with Lloyd Avant, Tory Blaylock and Jonathan Hatton
30:50 OU must get to some gap scheme runs to challenge USC's light edge pleasures and nullify their twists in the interior defensive line
34:35 OU's offensive line must give John Mateer time in the pocket because South Carolina will bust coverages in the secondary
36:12 OU must be smart with what they ask from Hayden Hansen, Jack Van Dorselaer and Rocky Beers in pass protection
38:41 John Mateer must find Isaiah Sategna and Rocky Beers when the Gamecocks decide to play man coverage
40:57 OU must do whatever it takes to score touchdowns in the red zone and not settle for field goals.