South Carolina defeats Oklahoma at home 35-9
Three first quarter turnovers by freshman QB Michael Hawkins lead to 21-point deficit the Sooners were unable to overcome in their 35-9 loss to South Carolina, despite bringing previously benched Jackson Arnold under center to finish the game.
Hawkins threw an interception on the first play from scrimmage. His later fumble was picked up for a South Carolina score. Then he threw a pick -six.
The Gamecocks put the game away before halftime, on a 33-yard pass from QB LaNorris Sellers to Joshua Simon to put South Carolina at a 32-3 lead at halftime.
Oklahoma’s defense held South Carolina to just three points in the remaining 30 minutes of play, but valiant defensive efforts were not enough, given the Sooners’ anemic offense. The Oklahoma offensive line gave up a school record nine sacks.
“What we put out there today… is not remotely close to the standard here at the University of Oklahoma,” Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables said post-game.
The Sooners are now 4-3, and 1-3 in the SEC. The OU offense has now only scored three touchdowns in the last three games.
But, given Hawkins’ miscues early, we may see Arnold the rest of this season at the QB helm.
Oklahoma goes on the road next week against No. 18 Mississippi.
“The problems are easy to identify, fixing it isn’t quite as easy,” Venables said.
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