Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables had nothing but respect for South Carolina heading into Saturday's SEC matchup in Columbia. The Sooner's coach previewed the matchup during his press conference earlier this week, describing the Gamecocks as a complete, physical team led by one of the nation's most dynamic quarterbacks. “Got a big one on the road,” Venables said. “Really, kind of our first true road test when it comes to handling a different type of environment. Pretty much what you see in the SEC week in and week out. Going to Columbia and playing Coach (Shane) Beamer’s team, they’re 3-3 right now, they’re dang good, is what I would say.”
Venables highlighted South Carolina's gritty performances against ranked teams like Missouri and LSU. “They rushed for over 200 yards at LSU… it’s a 17-10 game all the way till just the last couple of possessions,” he said, noting that Beamer’s squad “has done a really good job” staying competitive in every game this season.
Defensively, Venables pointed to South Carolina's ability to create chaos and capitalize on turnovers. “They’ve got an NCAA-leading six non-offensive touchdowns, three defensive touchdowns and three punt returns for touchdowns,” he said. “They’ve been really aggressive in what they do. They’ve got great length and strength in their front seven.” He praised defensive coordinator Clayton White for transforming the Gamecock defense. “Coach (Clayton) White’s been there for a good while now, and he’s really done a nice job. I know exactly what it looked like when he got there, and what he’s been able to build has been pretty remarkable.”
Venables also took note of South Carolina's special teams playmaker Vicari Swain. "They got a DB, number four, (Vicari) Swain. Man, he's lightning in a bottle and really aggressive."
On LaNorris Sellers
Venables had high praise for Gamecock QB LaNorris Sellers, calling him "one of the toughest players to defend in the country." He explained ow his arm talent, strength, and speed make him more of a threat than most players. Venables also marveled at Sellers' dual-threat ability, “He’s really hard to tackle… it’s hard to get two or three guys to get him down, let alone one.”
He also praised the offensive weapons surrounding South Carolina's QB1. “Now you got all these freaks out here, (Nyck) Harbor and Vandrevius (Jacobs)… they’ve done a really good job of putting good players around him.”
On South Carolina's Defense
Venables singled out Gamecock edge rushers Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr. as major challenges for Oklahoma's offensive line. He said they are explosive and powerful forces for the team who put a lot of pressure on the edges.
Oklahoma's Focus
After a loss to Texas, Venables stressed the need for focus and consistency for the Sooners. “We need to play really efficiently… take care of the football… can’t have any lapses,” he said. “That’s been a staple of who we are for decades, and for whatever reason, [turnovers] just aren’t coming like we need them to come this year.” But the Oklahoma head coach also said his team remains confident and united. He explained how they were all disappointed in the loss but not discouraged. “This is a team that’s talented and they’re tough-minded, they believe, and they’re together. When you put believing and being together, it’s a very powerful thing.”