After South Carolina Loss, Brent Venables Pulls No Punches on Oklahoma’s Embarrassing Performance

South Carolina Takes Control

South Carolina led 28-10 at halftime after Nyck Harbor caught an 8-yard touchdown. LaNorris Sellers later hit Mazeo Bennett Jr. for a 79-yard score, making it 42-16 with 13:13 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Sellers’ long touchdown marked his final appearance in the game. Oklahoma found its only meaningful success after that, during late play that came with the outcome largely decided.

Venables Faults Team Performance

Venables said Oklahoma had been beaten in every area and rejected the idea of offering excuses. He also criticized the defense, which forced three turnovers but allowed South Carolina to throw over the top and make plays.

After Oklahoma’s earlier loss to Kentucky, Venables had pointed to signs of gradual improvement. This time, he said the team was poorly prepared and coached, and that the Sooners did not play well.

Bowl Eligibility Now Looms

Oklahoma’s offense remains inconsistent, with its performance varying from drive to drive and week to week. The team now faces a fight for bowl eligibility rather than a push for a strong November finish.

The Sooners travel to Florida next, then host Ole Miss and Texas A&M before closing the regular season in Missouri. Venables did not engage with speculation about staff members’ jobs, though the article says the staff is coaching under pressure.

Venables said his regard for the players had not changed, while expressing anger at himself and the team. The article says Oklahoma has little time left to steady both sides of the ball and salvage the season.