With a tough schedule looming, the Sooners need a win in their homecoming game on Saturday to pave the way for a successful season. After a humiliating loss to Texas where they failed to score a touchdown, Oklahoma faces South Carolina, a team that nearly upset Alabama last weekend. Sitting at 4-2 overall and 1-2 in SEC play, this game is crucial for OU’s postseason and bowl game hopes.

Oklahoma and South Carolina have never met before, and despite being four-point favorites, the Sooners are likely in for a battle. South Carolina has pushed top programs to the limit, with close losses to LSU and Alabama by a combined five points.

Coach Brent Venables acknowledged South Carolina’s strength: “Going into the year, I felt they were one of the more undervalued teams on our schedule. Based on their returning players, recruiting, and their progress coming out of spring, they were better than people thought. Apart from a rough opener against ODU, they’ve played really well. Last year, they struggled on the road, but this year, they’ve given themselves a chance to win at both Kentucky and Alabama, where they really competed.”