SEC Nation crew shares picks for South Carolina-Oklahoma

South Carolina football has an early afternoon game against Oklahoma on Saturday. Following a loss in Baton Rouge to LSU last weekend, the Gamecocks kick off against the Sooners at 12:45 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium.

The game will be broadcast on SEC Network. Earlier in the day, the SEC Nation crew, live from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for Tennessee-Alabama, shared some of their thoughts and predictions for the Gamecocks’ matchup with the Sooners.

Prior to the crew previewing the game, analyst Alyssa Lang interviewed Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, who had praise about South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.

“He’s very tough to defend, he’s got tremendous air talent, he sees the field better than he’s ever seen it and they do some things in the quarterback run game that’s always a challenge,” Venables said. “He’s such a physical guy to bring down, he’s got great balance. He does a really good job of climbing the pocket or escaping the pocket…it’s going to take more than one guy to get him down.”

Jordan Rodgers, former quarterback for Vanderbilt, warned that South Carolina’s defensive front could cause havoc for a hobbled Oklahoma offense..

“They (Oklahoma) have not been able to protect,” Rodgers said. “Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas on the other side for South Carolina, they could wreck this game. They could absolutely wreck this game. Because Oklahoma right now can’t run the football, they can’t block.”

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Former Florida Gator, Heisman-winning quarterback Tim Tebow, argued that Oklahoma’s defense is still operating an elite level.

“The defense still played really good, they gave up one punt return, otherwise it would’ve been 14 points,” Tebow said. “This is still a team that is really, really good…they can’t give one away today.”

However, Roman Harper, a former defensive back for Alabama under Mike Shula, emphasized South Carolina’s need to secure a victory in the midst of a difficult road in their 2025 schedule.

“You have to go get a win, because if you don’t get this win, when do you get the next one?” Harper said. “You have to win this game, that’s all I’m saying.”

Harper also alluded to a collegiate program wanting to hire away head coach Shane Beamer from South Carolina.

“You’ve got a couple things out there flirting with your coach,” Harper said. “It’s a lot of noise out there, and some whispering. Someone’s in some DMs out there, trust me, I’m telling you.”

SEC Network host Paul Finebaum reinforced Harper’s claims.

“I think Shane Beamer would be foolish to leave where he is, he’s beloved, to go to a lesser job at a place his father once coached,” Finebaum said.

Alyssa Lang also reported on Shane Beamer’s thoughts on the offensive line. The Gamecocks have allowed 20 sacks so far this season, and Beamer relieved offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley of his duties after the loss to LSU.

“When it comes to this week, I’m told Shawn Elliott brings a fiery passion to that room that has already shown changes, Shane Beamer telling me when it comes to meetings and practice, he’s seen the best week from this entire o-line group that he’s seen all season long,” Lang said.

South Carolina-Oklahoma Predictions

Tim Tebow: Oklahoma

Why Tebow picked Oklahoma: “I got O-U, I think their defense is too good. I think they get a little more help. I do think the environment is rocking, I think LaNorris gets a little more help, but I think their defense is too good.”

Jordan Rodgers: Oklahoma

Why Rodgers picked Oklahoma: “I think this is going to be a low scoring game. I think this defense is going to get after John Mateer a little bit, but I think he’s going to get one or two more plays than LaNorris will make.”

Roman Harper: South Carolina

Why Harper picked South Carolina: “The most desperate team wins this game, and that will be South Carolina tonight holding serve at home. They will get the big win that they need right now in their program.”

Paul Finebaum: South Carolina

Why Finebaum picked South Carolina: “You said earlier, this atmosphere is unlike almost any other. I’m going with the home team, South Carolina.”

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