South Carolina Rides Turnovers to Victory Over Oklahoma

© Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

South Carolina (4-3, 2-3) took advantage of a hot start when they defeated the Oklahoma Sooners (4-3, 2-3) 35-9 in Norman, Okla. on Oct, 19. The Gamecocks scored 21 points off turnovers in the first five-and-a-half minutes and never looked back.

Early Struggles for Oklahoma

Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. threw an interception on the first play from scrimmage, leading to 7 points for South Carolina. Hawkins then lost a fumble on the following drive before throwing a pick-six on his third and final possession of the game. All three turnovers led to points for the Gamecocks. Jackson Arnold replaced Hawkins at quarterback with nearly ten minutes left in the first quarter. Despite the change at quarterback, Oklahoma never got the offense going, scoring only 9 points.

South Carolina was able to do enough on offense to keep this game out of reach for the Sooners. After the disastrous start for the Oklahoma offense, the outcome of this game was never in doubt.

Turning Point

QB Michael Hawkins had a bad day, and his back-to-back-to-back turnovers dug the Sooners into a hole they couldn't get out of. The early 21-point lead for the Gamecocks and the momentum they gained from it was the difference in the game.

Looking Ahead

South Carolina has a brutal schedule ahead and this win keeps their bowl hopes alive. The Gamecocks have a tough schedule ahead, facing No.14 Texas A&M (5-1, 3-1), Vanderbilt (4-3, 2-1), No.19 Missouri (6-1, 2-1), Wofford (3-3) and No.10 Clemson (6-1) to finish the year. Given a likely win against FCS Wofford, South Carolina still needs to squeeze out one more win against a tough opponent to become bowl-eligible, which could be a challenge.

Oklahoma has an equally brutal schedule ahead and this loss will make it hard for the Sooners to get to bowl eligibility in their first year in the SEC. The Sooners still have to play No.18 Ole Miss (5-2, 1-2), Maine (3-3), No.19 Missouri (6-1, 2-1), No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1) and No. 8 LSU (5-1, 2-0) while needing two more wins to reach bowl eligibility.