In Week 8 of the 2025 college football season, the Oklahoma Sooners travel to Columbia, SC to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. The game is set for October 18, 2025, with a 12:45 PM kickoff at the outdoor Williams-Brice Stadium. Fans can tune in to watch the game on SECN.
The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked #14 in the AP Poll and #13 in the Coaches Poll, bring a 5-1 record into this contest. Despite their strong home performance this season with a 4-0 record, the Sooners have been less dominant on the road, posting a 1-1 record. Their last road game resulted in a 23-6 loss to the Texas Longhorns.
On the other side, the South Carolina Gamecocks enter the game with a 3-3 record. The Gamecocks have shown strength at home with a 2-1 record, and they will look to leverage this advantage against Oklahoma. South Carolina’s most recent outing was a 20-10 defeat against LSU Tigers away from home.
South Carolina vs Oklahoma At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12:45 PM ET
- Location: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC
- TV Coverage: The game will be broadcast on SECN
- Oklahoma Sooners Record: 5-1 for the season, ranked #14 in the AP poll
- South Carolina Gamecocks Record: 3-3 for the season, with a home record of 2-1
- Game Odds: Oklahoma is favored with a moneyline of -211 and a spread of -5.5
South Carolina Gamecocks Prepare for Battle: A Comprehensive Look at the Upcoming Game
Offensive Insights
The South Carolina Gamecocks’ offensive output this season is marked by a total of 134 points, placing them 73rd in the rankings. Despite some struggles in their passing game, they have accumulated 1,180 passing yards, ranking 91st. Their rushing attack has been less effective, gaining 699 yards and ranking 110th.
Last season, South Carolina showed a more robust offensive presence with 396 points, ranking 38th, and impressive rushing yards of 2,426, which ranked 33rd. The Gamecocks are looking to recapture that form this year as they face a challenging schedule ahead.
Defensive Strategies
Defensively, the Gamecocks have allowed 114 points against them, positioning them 61st in the standings. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident with 15 sacks, which places them 11th nationally. Furthermore, their knack for creating turnovers is highlighted by their six interceptions and four fumbles recovered, ranking 7th and 5th, respectively.
In their previous season, South Carolina’s defense was fairly consistent, allowing 235 points, ranking them 56th. They had a strong showing with 41 sacks, ranking 9th, and 14 interceptions, which placed them 15th. Their defensive resilience will be key as they progress through the season.
Recent Game Performances
South Carolina’s recent game against LSU ended in a 20-10 loss. The Gamecocks managed 193 rushing yards, outperforming LSU’s 168, although they struggled in the passing game with just 124 yards compared to LSU’s 254. They had 20 first downs, closely matching LSU’s 22, but turnovers proved costly with one interception.
Their previous victory against Kentucky showcased a more balanced offense, with 163 passing yards and 178 rushing yards, leading to a 35-13 win. The Gamecocks’ defense also played a crucial role, forcing two interceptions and limiting Kentucky to 14 first downs.
Key Players
Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has been a standout for the Gamecocks, throwing for 1,010 yards and four touchdowns over six games. His performance will be pivotal as South Carolina seeks to strengthen their offensive output. Running back Rahsul Faison leads the ground game with 231 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
On the receiving end, Vandrevius Jacobs has caught 20 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns, making him a key target in their aerial attack. The Gamecocks will look to leverage these players’ strengths as they gear up for their upcoming games.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 23-4 (85.2%) over the last 27 games
- ATS – After Loss: 5-0 (100.0%) in the last 5 games
- O/U – After Loss: 5-0 (100.0%) in the last 5 games
- ATS – Away Games: 8-1 (88.9%) over the last 9 games
- SU – Home Games: 21-8 (72.4%) over the last 29 games
Sooners Seek Redemption: Oklahoma’s Offensive Strategies Against South Carolina
Quarterback Dynamics
John Mateer has been pivotal for Oklahoma, throwing for 1417 yards, ranking 46th nationally. His performance this season includes six passing touchdowns, though he has been intercepted six times. Mateer’s ability to lead the offense will be critical in the upcoming game against South Carolina.
Michael Hawkins Jr. has shown potential in his limited appearances, contributing 167 passing yards and three touchdowns. With no interceptions, Hawkins Jr. provides a reliable backup option. His presence adds depth to Oklahoma’s quarterback position.
Rushing Attack
Tory Blaylock leads the rushing efforts with 292 yards, positioning him 146th in the national rankings. His three rushing touchdowns demonstrate his ability to find the end zone. Oklahoma will look to Blaylock to enhance their ground game against the Gamecocks.
Xavier Robinson and Jovantae Barnes have also made contributions, with Robinson accumulating 50 rushing yards and Barnes adding 45. Although they haven’t broken out yet, their contributions will be essential to diversify Oklahoma’s offensive approach.
Receiving Corps
Isaiah Sategna III is a standout receiver with 420 yards and three touchdowns, ranking him 48th nationally. His 30 receptions make him a key target for Mateer and Hawkins Jr. in the passing game. Sategna III’s performance will be crucial in challenging South Carolina’s secondary.
Deion Burks adds to the receiving depth with 339 yards and two touchdowns. He shares the lead with Sategna III in receptions, emphasizing Oklahoma’s balanced passing attack. Burks will need to continue his consistent performance to support Oklahoma’s offensive strategy.
Tight Ends and Special Teams
Jaren Kanak leads the tight ends with 348 receiving yards, providing an additional target in Oklahoma’s aerial assault. Though he hasn’t scored yet, his reception total highlights his involvement. Kanak will be looking to make a significant impact against South Carolina.
Tate Sandell’s performance in special teams, with 11 field goals, ranks him 15th nationally. His reliability can provide the Sooners with crucial points in close games. Sandell’s consistency will be a key component in the upcoming encounter.
Oklahoma Top Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 12-1 (92.3%) over last 13 games
- SU – Home Games: 17-3 (85.0%) over last 20 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 13-3 (81.2%) over last 16 games
- SU – After Loss: 3-0 (100.0%) over last 3 games
- SU – All Games: 21-9 (70.0%) over last 30 games
South Carolina vs Oklahoma Prediction: South Carolina +5.5
The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked 14th in the AP Poll, come into this game with a solid 5-1 record. However, their only road win was against a lower-ranked opponent, indicating potential struggles away from home. Their defense is strong, ranking 23rd in points against, but South Carolina’s home advantage should not be underestimated.
South Carolina has shown resilience after losses, going 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a defeat. Given the Gamecocks’ 2-1 home record and their ability to cover as underdogs, this game could be closer than the spread suggests. With South Carolina playing at home, they have the capacity to keep the game within a touchdown.
Oklahoma’s offense, while ranked 36th in passing yards, might struggle against a South Carolina defense that has proven itself capable in previous matchups. Furthermore, South Carolina’s ability to bounce back after a loss, as evidenced by their betting trends, makes them a strong candidate to cover the spread.
In a competitive SEC matchup, expect South Carolina to leverage their home-field advantage and recent form to stay within the margin. This positions them well to cover the +5.5 spread against Oklahoma.
- South Carolina vs Oklahoma Prediction: South Carolina +5.5
- South Carolina vs Oklahoma Score: Oklahoma 24 – South Carolina 21
