At halftime, South Carolina trails Oklahoma 14-7, but the Gamecocks have shown some flashes of rhythm behind an efficient first half from quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Sellers has been hearly perfect through the air, completing 10-of-11 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, good for a 6.4 yard average per attempt. His single touchdown went to Nyck Harbor, who has three catches for 23 yards, including a 12-yard score that put the Gamecocks on the board. Brady Hunt has also been a steady target with 26 yards on three receptions.
The ground game, however, is still struggling. Rasul Faison leads with 44 yards on six carries, highlighted by a 36-yard burst. Sellers has been bottled up on the ground with nine carries for zero gain. He has taken several hits behind the line as Oklahoma's front has collapsed the pocket.
Defensively, Judge Collier leads the Gamecocks with seven total tackles, while Peyton Willams and DQ Smith each have five. The defense has yet to generate any takeaways or sacks, allowing the Sooners to control possession of the ball and convert key downs.
Special teams have provided a spark. Vicari Swain has returned two punts for 50 yards, including a 31-yard punt return that flipped field position. Mason Love has averaged 42 yards on two punts, pinning one inside the 20 yard line.
At the half, the South Carolina Gamecocks need to find more consistency up front, protecting Sellers and sustaining drives will be key if they want to close the game in the second half.