It’s a first-ever matchup between (now) SEC schools when the South Carolina Gamecocks visit the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday afternoon.
Both programs are coming off losses to top-ranked teams, and with the offenses struggling, my South Carolina vs. Oklahoma predictions are squarely focused on the Under.
Read on to see why a low-scoring affair is among my favorite college football picks for Week 8.
South Carolina vs Oklahoma prediction and best bet
My best bet
Under 41.5 points (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The South Carolina Gamecocks came up just short in a 27-25 loss to 7th-ranked Alabama last week, in a game where the Crimson Tide gave them every chance to win at the end but could not cash in.
That’s now two straight losses, after dropping a 27-3 decision to No. 12 Mississippi the week prior, and all three of South Carolina’s losses this season came against ranked teams, as they dropped a 36-33 decision to then-No. 16 LSU in mid-September.
Turnovers have done in the Gamecocks: They turned it over four times vs. Alabama, giving them 12 turnovers lost on the year — tied for 113th in the nation. That, along with an offense that runs for almost as many yards as it throws for, has hampered a sturdy defense that allows less than 300 yards per game, good for a Top-20 mark in college football, as it ranks inside the Top 40 in both rush and pass yards allowed.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a 34-2 beatdown at the hands of top-ranked Texas in the Red River Rivalry, in a forgettable performance that saw OU's offense put up just 237 total yards and rushing for just 89 (on a paltry 2.3 yards per attempt).
The Sooners’ offense is 125th in the country at just 287.7 total yards per contest, while sitting outside the Top 100 in both rushing and passing yards per game. That pop-gun offensive output is too much for a good Oklahoma defense to overcome, as the Sooners are inside the Top 50 in total yards and a Top-15 rush defense, allowing just 3.1 per tote.
Even with their recent struggles, both programs are Page 1 of the NCAA for scoring defense: Oklahoma is in a tie for 27th at just 19 points per contest, while SC is just down the way at 38th, giving up 20.3 per game, and both are in the Top 15 in turnovers forced.
Two ugly offenses facing two strong defenses... the Under just makes sense. The potential for defensive scores could ruin this bet, but this one has slugfest written all over it.
South Carolina vs Oklahoma same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 41.5 points
Jovantae Barnes anytime TD
Joshua Simon 20+ receiving yards
Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes was shut out against Texas, breaking a two-game TD streak. The Gamecocks have a sturdy run defense but they have allowed 10 rushing scores on the season — third-most in the SEC.
While their offense stinks, last week was the first time Oklahoma failed to find the endzone at all this season. It will be low-scoring, but I like Barnes to cash in on Saturday.
Joshua Simon is second on South Carolina’s in catches and yards on the year. He had five catches for 22 yards last week, marking the third time in the last four weeks the 6-foot-4 senior has gone for 20+ receiving yards in a game.
The Sooners’ pass D is middle of the pack, surrendering 220.3 yards, so Simon should continue to make an impact in the Gamecocks’ passing game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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South Carolina vs Oklahoma odds
South Carolina vs Oklahoma live odds
South Carolina vs Oklahoma opening odds
- South Carolina vs. Oklahoma spread: Oklahoma -2.5
- South Carolina vs. Oklahoma moneyline: South Carolina +125, Oklahoma -150
- South Carolina vs. Oklahoma Over/Under: 40.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
South Carolina vs Oklahoma spread and Over/Under analysis
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South Carolina is 4-2-0 against the spread this season.
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Oklahoma has just one home loss this season in four games.
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The Under has cashed in four of six Sooners games this season.
South Carolina vs Oklahoma betting trend to know
The Gamecocks have covered the spread in six of their last seven games against conference opponents. Find more college football betting trends for South Carolina vs Oklahoma.
South Carolina vs Oklahoma game info
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-19, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:45 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SEC Network |
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