Oklahoma and South Carolina meet in Norman on Saturday with both teams sitting at 4-3 and both carrying some momentum into Week 9 of the 2026 college football season.
For the Sooners, the offensive picture has started to look steadier over the last stretch. Oklahoma has been up and down on the scoreboard this year, but the attack has shown more consistency in nine of its last 10 quarters dating back to the win over Texas. Outside of the fourth quarter against Kentucky, quarterback John Mateer and the run game have looked sharper than they did early in the season.
That matters against a South Carolina defense that ranks No. 53 nationally in total yards allowed per game. It’s a different kind of challenge than the one Oklahoma faced in the first month, when the Sooners went against defenses that all ranked in the top 15 nationally in Weeks 1 through 4.
South Carolina brings its own problems for Oklahoma to solve, and they start with LaNorris Sellers. In five SEC games, Sellers is averaging 236.4 passing yards and 77.4 rushing yards per game.
He has thrown only five interceptions this season and has 19 total touchdowns. Oklahoma’s defense handled him with pressure last year, but South Carolina’s offensive line has improved, and the offense has gotten a lift from new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
The Sooners’ defense has been sturdy as well, allowing 17.7 points per game and ranking No. 11 in the nation in total yards allowed per game. That sets up what looks like a tight, four-quarter matchup between two teams playing solid football heading into the final month of the season.
Here’s how to watch it.
The game will air nationally on SEC Network. Taylor Zarzour and Gene Chizik will be on the call from the booth at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with Michella Chester reporting from the sidelines on Owen Field. Streaming options include ESPN and Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, with kickoff at 3:15 p.m. CT from Norman, Okla.
Odds from BetMGM list Oklahoma as a 3 1/2-point favorite. The moneyline has Oklahoma at minus-165 and South Carolina at plus-140, with the over/under set at 44 1/2.
One prediction on the game has Oklahoma pulling out a 24-20 win, with Mateer continuing the recent run that has helped the Sooners’ offense find more rhythm and balance.
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Oklahoma Faces New Week 9 Concern South Carolina Can Exploit
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The concern does not stop there. Defensive back Eli Bowen is doubtful, and Peyton Bowen is probable to suit up, but the bigger issue is how the offensive line situation could affect Oklahomas ability to handle pressure and stay on schedule. Against a South Carolina defense looking for any opening, that uncertainty is the kind of development the Sooners would rather not be managing this late in the week. [Read more 🡒]