Thumbs up, thumbs down: First reactions to South Carolina’s loss to Oklahoma
South Carolina took on Oklahoma on Saturday for the first time in Williams-Brice Stadium and just the second time ever. The result: A 26-7 loss for the Gamecocks to even the all-time series at 1-1.
Here’s what stood out, good and bad, for USC:
Thumbs up
Pre-snap penalties: The Gamecocks averaged over nine penalties per game heading into the weekend. Pre-snap penalties, particularly on the USC offensive line, helped bring about the firing of offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley. Those problems seemed to be limited in Shawn Elliott’s first game as the new O-line coach. USC had two accepted offensive penalties go against it — and just one false start — versus the Sooners.
Harbor scores: Nyck Harbor has had a relatively quiet 2025 season after being touted as USC’s No. 1 option at receiver. He scored his second touchdown of the season against the Sooners on a fourth down in the red zone, along with four catches on five targets for 22 yards.
Swain’s return game: Vicari Swain took the Gamecocks special teams unit by storm to begin the season, scoring three return touchdowns in USC’s first two games. He hasn’t had an exceptional return game since, but did well against Oklahoma. He finished with three punt returns for 55 yards and showed off some of that return ability that’s helped him find the end zone.
Thumbs down
Third-down offense: South Carolina couldn’t get anything going on third down against Oklahoma, and not due to lack of chances. USC went 3-for-15 on third downs and averaged 2.9 yards gained per attempt. The Gamecocks attempted seven third-down rushes for seven yards.
Short-yardage situations: The Gamecocks’ run game as a whole struggled, finishing with 34 attempts for 54 yards, but it was particularly bad in short-yardage scenarios. USC went 1-for-8 in third-and-short situations and were stuffed on the goal line on the opening drive. Had it not been for Harbor’s touchdown, USC would’ve had two goal-line situations end with snuffed-out rushing attempts.
Slow out of the pocket: LaNorris Sellers was once again brutalized in the pocket with six sacks for minus-53 yards. He also had to run the ball 14 times for minus-9 yards. Whether it’s a matter of play calling or Sellers holding the ball for too long, USC’s offense simply couldn’t get the ball out quick enough on most plays.
