COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Oklahoma enters with a defense that has been the more stable unit, holding opponents to 17.7 points per game and 4.5 yards per play allowed, while the offense has produced 21.6 points per game and 5.0 yards per play. South Carolina has been the more explosive offense, averaging 36.1 points per game and 6.0 yards per play, with a strong run game that sits at 218.3 rushing yards per game. Defensively, though, the Gamecocks have allowed 25.3 points per game and 5.3 yards per play, which leaves room for Oklahoma to control pace and keep the score in check.
Oklahoma should have the edge at home in a game that projects to stay tighter than South Carolina’s offensive numbers suggest. The Sooners’ better defensive efficiency and lower points allowed profile point to a controlled game flow, while South Carolina’s defense has been more vulnerable than Oklahoma’s. Final score projection: Oklahoma Sooners 24, South Carolina Gamecocks 17.