The first official injury report is out ahead of South Carolina's matchup with Oklahoma, and both teams are battling depth concerns up front.
For the Sooners, the offensive line is taking a major hit with Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton, and Jake Taylor all ruled out. The absence of that trio could force Oklahoma to shuffle its blocking scheme and rely on younger talent against a South Carolina front that has been steadily improving. Wide receiver Keontez Lewis, tight end Kade McIntyre, and lineman Logan Howland are doubtful, while running back Jovantae Barnes is questionable. These players being ruled out could affect their offensive balance and ground protection against the Gamecocks.
For South Carolina, it's become an all-too-familiar storyline: the offensive line remains banged up. Although the Gamecocks' injury list is a bit lighter than that of Oklahoma. Offensive lineman Nolan Hay, Shedrick Sarratt Jr., and Cason Henry are all listed as doubtful, continuing a trend that's forced the Gamecocks to rotate heavily up front this season. Markee Anderson, one of the team's promising young linemen, is listed as questionable.
The defense isn't immune either. Defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy is listed as questionable, potentially limiting South Carolina's rotation against Oklahoma's high-tempo offense. However, the Gamecocks did get a piece of encouraging news, defensive back Brandon Cisse is probable to play. Hs return would provide stability in a secondary that has had to juggle injuries and youth throughout the season.
Both team's trenches look to be thin heading into Saturday's matchup, which could shift the focus toward quarterback play and quick passing schemes.