NORMAN – Oklahoma's defense made it a standard routine to fight its way into South Carolina's backfield in the 26-7 win.
There, the Sooners racked up 13 tackles for loss (their fifth straight game with at least 11) against ultra-talented quarterback LaNorris Sellers and running backs. It was another stout performance against a potentially explosive player and offense.
Oklahoma's defense has been one of the most dominant units in the country, regardless of who it's gone against. Through seven games, OU leads the nation in six categories while also ranking second in scoring defense (9.4 ppg) and touchdowns allowed (6). Oklahoma's defense has typically played phenomenally while the offense does just enough to come away with a victory.
This Saturday, though, No. 13 Oklahoma (6-1, 2-1 SEC) will host No. 8 Ole Miss (6-1, 3-1) at 11 a.m. CT, which typically wins in a different way behind an offense led by another top quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss. Under Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, Chambliss has gone from a Division II standout to backup quarterback to one of the best in the SEC. And he's supported by a balanced offensive attack with skilled players around him.
"Obviously, the head coach being an offensive guy, they're kind of headlined offensively and justifiably so," OU head coach Brent Venables said on Tuesday. "They've averaged over 500 yards a game since 2020, they're averaging just under 40 points a game and 492 yards a game, second in the SEC and eighth in the country. They're really balanced in what they're doing."